Brighton MP’s Commons question elicits a glimmer of hope for commuters

Commuters were offered a glimmer of hope in the House of Commons today (Thursday 25 April) at Transport Questions.

Simon Kirby, the Conservative MP for Brighton Kemptown, asked what steps the Department for Transport was taking to improve rail links between London and the south coast.

Junior Transport Minister Norman Baker, the Liberal Democrat MP for Lewes, replied.

He said: “Significant investment is currently being undertaken to improve rail links between London and the south coast.

“By 2018 the £6 billion Thameslink programme will be complete, providing more capacity for passengers with a new fleet of trains, and London Bridge station will be redeveloped and transformed.”

Mr Kirby said: “Does the minister agree with me and many other people in Brighton and Hove that the only sustainable solution for increased capacity is to build a second line?”

Mr Baker said: “I entirely agree with my honourable friend that there is pressure on the existing line.

“It is very full up during many of the peak hours and that also affects train performance on that line which I know he is concerned about.

“I certainly think there is a case for looking at capacity issues in a novel way between London and the south coast and the Secretary of State and I hope to take that matter forward in due course.”

Campaigners, including BML2, have long pushed for one of the options – reinstating the Lewes to Uckfield line. This would offer an alternative route between Brighton and London when the main line is blocked.