Eagle: Disappointment for Swansea

Maria Eagle MP, shadow transport minister, commented on the new high-tech trains:

“The go ahead for Labour’s planned replacement of the outdated diesel inter-city trains is great news, particularly for Newton Aycliffe where the new Hitachi built electric trains will be made. It’s a real triumph for a determined and energetic local campaign to secure this investment and the jobs it will create.

“However, despite confirmation of the electrification of the mainline from London to Cardiff, there will be disappointment in Swansea on St David’s Day that the plan we announced in government to modernise the entire route into south Wales has not been given the green light. The acknowledgement of the case for electrification of the key valley commuter lines is an empty pledge with no investment promised before 2014.”