The fiasco over the future of the West Coast mainline train contract will cost
the taxpayer an estimated 40 million pounds.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin says the blame for the blunder - which
would have seen Virgin lose the franchise to FirstGroup - lies with the
Department for Transport.

Three DfT officials have been suspended.

Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson thinks they CAN now retain the franchise:

[Take AUDIO
NUMBER: 040
OUT WORDS: win it
Duration: 11"]


[Total 00:35]