Great Western Coffee Shop

I found the following sentance on the wiki article on the Intercity Express Programme http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intercity_Express_Programme :

"In late 2007, Network Rail suggested that the DfT should abandon the diesel version of the Intercity Express for cost reasons; they argue that because of new emissions regulations and the minimal demand for diesel-powered high-speed trains abroad, it would be cheaper to electrify the remaining lines than to buy new diesel trains.[5]"

Its implied that the first series ICE trains will be rolled out on the ECML from 2012, presuming that the Intercity 125 fleet would be replaced not long after, dosn't this whole thing imply a timetable for electrification of the GWML?

Of course, no gaurentees that FGW will still hold the franchise by then, no gaurentees that ICE will actually happen either but its an interesting speculation.

It does beggar belief that the country can consider replacing most of its intercity stock and not electrify the remaining diesel services. Fortunately, there is a growing groundswell of opinion that this opportunity should not be lost. Even if the government isn't yet doing a U-turn, it does seem to have pulled in to the side of the road and be considering doing a 3 point turn on its 2007 stated policy of dismissing electrification. 

See also link below.
http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=1013.msg5006#msg5006