Patrick Hall MP was responsible for a House of Commons debate this week on planned changes to the Thameslink rail route from Bedford to Brighton.

The Bedford and Kempston MP secured the adjournment debate about plans to expand the infrastructure of the route, which is operated by First Capital Connect.

Mr Hall said: "Whether overcrowding is official or not, commuters on the Thameslink route certainly have good reason to feel that they endure unacceptably overcrowded conditions at peak times.

"The line features in the top ten most crowded in every survey. Indeed, some research by Network Rail has revealed that 50 per cent. of regular peak-time Thameslink users claim that sometimes
the train is so full that they cannot get on it at all."

Mr Hall said the planned improvements were a priority regardless of which party won the next general election.

He told the House: "If anyone doubts this, they should ask the passengers along the route, including my constituents.

"Up to £6 billion is a lot of money, but this is an extremely cost-effective use of money.

"To cut back on the final phase – London Bridge – would put the brake on the part of the programme that will deliver the biggest benefit.

"It would be short-sighted, foolish and a tragedy to do so."

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