Why the future IS bright for Britain's railways: Michael Portillo insists
that station restorations and HS2 are reasons for passengers to have hope

     * Michael Portillo said that Britain has a new-found respect for
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   He said: ‘Well, we’re behind in many ways. We don’t have nearly as much
   electrification or nearly as much high-speed rail as some of our
   European partners and China and Japan, but I do think our stations
   score very highly.
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   particularly recommend, if the tourist has arrived in London, getting
   on the night sleeper from Euston, and waking up on Rannoch Moor.
   Mr Portillo said that he's very much looking forward to HS2 - but he's
   pictured here on a somewhat slower mode of transport... a pump trolley
   at Nene Valley Station
   Mr Portillo said that he's very much looking forward to HS2 - but he's
   pictured here on a somewhat slower mode of transport... a pump trolley
   at Nene Valley Station

   Mr Portillo said that he's very much looking forward to HS2 - but he's
   pictured here on a somewhat slower mode of transport... a pump trolley
   at Nene Valley Station
--

   ‘I am personally very much looking forward to Crossrail in London. It’s
   going to be transformative. And I can’t wait for HS2.’

   Mr Portillo stressed that it’s high-speed rail that will help Britain
   make the most of its glorious Victorian infrastructure.