The railway network is a prime candidate for investment as a way of helping Britain to escape from our financial problems.

It should be considered as important as investing in green energy and a national fibre optic network capable of delivering super-fast broadband, said Andrew Rawnsley in 'The Observer'.

He writes: "For a pretty modest net cost, work could be begun quite quickly on the modernisation of the inter-city network. Smelly and expensive diesel trains still ply the Midland main line and the Great Western main line. For a fraction of the money which has been spent on a VAT cut of uncertain effect, those lines could be electrified.

A programme to modernise the railways will generate work for key industries such as construction, steel and engineering. It is a big job creator.

It will have an excellent multiplier effect feeding the stimulus through to other industries. It will help move Britain away from its addiction to the car. It will lift the long-term growth potential of the economy. It is a no-brainer.

Modernising our antiquated railways is a catch-up project to haul Britain's transport system into the early 21st century. We will need get-ahead projects which will equip the country for the rest of the century.

For the article in full see guardian.co.uk