Bedford and Kempston have been 'left in the sidings' once again, says local parliamentary campaigner

Rail operator Network Rail has launched plans for a £34bn high-speed rail link from London to the north of Britain.

Network Rail rejected routes going via the Midlands or the east of England, instead sending the 200 mph route direct from London to Manchester in the North West.

Henry Vann said: "Successive Tory and Labour governments have let our rail links decline and with this decision, Bedford and Kempston are being left in the sidings once more.

"Whilst I welcome Network Rail's expansion of the network, this must continue over the next 20 years to ensure that sustainable transport can cope with growing demand, and it must include Bedford and Kempston."

"The Liberal Democrats are the only party to have a funded plan for fast-track Britain as part of our proposals for green investment. This will extend high speed rail links across the UK and develop the east-west rail link with Oxford and Cambridge, re-opening old lines and stations."