Transport for London could decide which companies run rail franchises in Kent under new proposals announced by the Government.

A new prospectus setting out plans to improve capacity across London and the South East will look at ways to run more services and develop new rail lines to poorly connected areas.

The proposals would see services within the Greater London boundary transferred from the Department for Transport to TfL when the current franchises are due for renewal.

It has caused uncertainty for Southeastern about what area a future rail franchise bid would cover when its latest contract comes up for renewal in June 2018.

Spokesman John Staples said: “We will now work closely with the Department for Transport and Transport for London as they develop these proposals further.”

“We will now work closely with the Department for Transport and Transport for London as they develop these proposals further...” - John Staples, Southeastern

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “We are committed to making journeys better across London and the South East, and this new partnership represents a huge opportunity to transform travel by putting passengers where they should be – at the heart of the rail network.

“We are working closely with TfL to agree the best way of delivering integrated, seamless journeys for passengers both inside and outside of London, and as we continue these discussions, we want to hear people’s views.”

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson MP, said: “Our railways have been the workhorse of the London and South East economy since Victorian times.

“They’re key in the day-to-day lives of millions of people and vital to our future prosperity, and that’s exactly why this new partnership is such a seminal moment.

“By working closely together and taking on these new services, we’re going to emulate the success of the London Overground and give the entire capital and surrounding areas the services they truly deserve.”