This campaign, organised by Transport 2000, is growing in momentum and support.

A number of regional launches are being organised in the North East, North West, Yorks & Humber, West Midlands and the South East.

Most importantly, an Early Day Motion, EDM1214 “Growing the Railways Campaign” has been placed by Alan Whitehead MP and is co—sponsored by Tom Brake and John Horam.

The Motion reads: That this House welcomes the increasing demand for rail travel but is concerned that no plans currently exist to increase capacity on the railways, and alleviate parts of the rail network which are already congested; and, therefore, supports Transport 2000’s Growing the Railways campaign, as endorsed by 21 organisations, which calls on the Government to draw up a clear investment planning framework for rail, through the High Level Output Statement, which ensures that money spent is used more mett efficiently, promotes partnership working, appraises rail projects fairly, and, above all, plans for an expanding railway for passengers and freight.

In early January, 39 MPs had signed this EDM.

Since 1995/6, passenger demand for rail travel has grown by more than 40% and stood at 1.07billion passenger journeys last year, the highest level since 1959 and on a network that is now 40% smaller. Rail freight has grown by more than 50%.

With further growth of 28% predicted, the need for more capacity on the network is now urgent.

Railfuture members are therefore urged to write their MPs to ask them to sign EDM1214 at their earliest opportunity.

Norman Bradbury 27/1/06