London Midland has announced its selection for the contract of rolling stock for their franchise. Siemens has won yet again, adding the work to their booming rail portfolio.

This is sad news for those who lost out, and adds to the jobs gloom.

Just a couple of years ago, when the competition was first announced, one online commentator said this: “Could Bombardier take any more orders at the moment? Their order books seem to be full!”

Considering the IEP and Thameslink deals, that seems a sadly ironic point.

However, it also highlights the fact that Siemens really must be worth something to keep being chosen for big contracts. This is not just some Government conspiracy to favour a foreign company over one of our own, as some critics seemed to be suggesting after the Thameslink announcement.

Perhaps the better bidder won?