News

Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced today a sale of government  "nonfinancial assets" to be sold over the next two years including the Channel Tunnel rail link and the Dartford bridge and tunnel crossing the River Thames.

Under the proposals a "portfolio of non-financial assets" held by Whitehall and local authorities will be offered for sale over the next two years.

The Conservatives said the sale was "probably necessary" but "no substitute for a long-term plan".

Mr Brown said premature cuts risk "snuffing out" the economic recovery when the job of fixing the global economy is only half done.

Reports indicate that Channel Tunnel operator, Eurotunnel could be interested in acquiring the high-speed line which runs from London, St Pancras to the Folkestone terminal.