Stephen attended the unveiling of one of the new 140mph fast trains at Ashford International. When they begin service in 2009 these trains will slash travel times to the heart of London.

The first of these trains is currently being tested in Kent. 

Nothing is more important to the economy of East Kent and to building a 'green' transport network than the new fast train service. This summer saw the first of the new trains arrive at Southampton Docks.

The new service, which will be operated by Southeastern Trains and which will knock at least 35 minutes off the rush hour journey time from Ramsgate to London will also serve Dover and Canturbury West and will be the first of its kind in the UK. St Pancras International links seamlessly with Midland Mainline as well as services north and south of the capital via First Capital Connect (formerly Thameslink).

Fast, comfortable trains are vital if we are going to attract new inward investors and get cars off the road. That is why the labour Government has ensured that every train that now serves east kent has now been replaced since 1997.

It is also why it has bought 29 of the new high speed trains and why Stephen Ladyman and the South Thanet Labour Party have campaigned for the new service for the last 10 years - and are still campaigning to get the Ramsgate to London journey time cut even further.