Brighton MP Simon Kirby calls for second rail line

Simon Kirby told MPs a second rail line between Brighton and London would solve overcrowding

A Sussex Conservative MP has called on the government to build a second rail line to improve links between London and the south coast.

Simon Kirby, who represents Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, said doing so would solve overcrowding problems on the Brighton Main Line.

Speaking during transport questions in the House of Commons, he said it was the "only sustainable solution".

Transport minister Norman Baker said he would investigate possible solutions.

'Overcrowded carriages'

The Liberal Democrat MP for Lewes agreed there was pressure on the existing line, which was also "affecting train performance".

"I certainly think there is a case for looking at the capacity issues in a novel way between London and the south coast," he told MPs.

Mr Kirby, who recently launched his Better Trains for Brighton campaign, has supported calls for a Brighton Main Line 2.

He said as a frequent commuter between Brighton and London, he was often faced with "cancelled trains, lengthy delays, and overcrowded carriages", and he welcomed the positive response from Mr Baker.