Call to delay new WestCoast Mainline rail deal

Calls were made today for the Government to delay signing the new £10 billion West Coast Mainline contract until MPs have a chance to fully scrutinise the deal.

Labour said politicians must have the chance to consider the decision to take the franchise from Virgin Trains and give it to FirstGroup for the next 13 years.

The line, which cuts through the Black Country and Staffordshire, is the busiest in the country.

Maria Eagle, shadow transport secretary, said there were concerns over how the move would affect fares and levels of service.

FirstGroup says it will bring in key improvements for passengers but critics fear it will not be able to afford the billions it is paying for the franchise.

The Department for Transport said it had "no reason" to delay the signing until after Parliament returns next week.

It comes after Sir Richard Branson offered to run the line, which stops at stations including Wolverhampton and Sandwell & Dudley, for free to allow more time to debate the issue.

Louise Ellman, the chairman of the House of Commons Transport Committee, has also wrote to Transport Secretary Justine Greening asking her to hold off signing the final contract, saying that "important issues" had been raised which needed to be looked at.

Virgin boss Sir Richard said Virgin Trains and Stagecoach would operate the joint venture on a not-for-profit basis or donate profits to charity if the franchise needed to be extended beyond December for a few months to allow Parliament to investigate the decision.

"We just want the facts examined," he said today. "We believe the facts will prove us to be right and we believe that Virgin will end up continuing to run the line.