New delay for Brighton trains

The go-ahead for new fleet of 1,200 train carriages for the Brighton line looks set to be delayed again.

Reports today suggest more time is needed to finalise the one billion pound contract with the German train supplier Siemens.

It is thought it may now be autumn before final approval is given for the trains which will run on the Thameslink route. The Government have been negotiating with the company since last June and says a contract will soon be placed. A deal had been expected before the Olympics.

The move has angered the union RMT who say the contract should have gone to a British company and will cost the UK thousands of jobs.