Anyway, Richard Branson announced he was taking them to court over it, and a lot of people thought that a lot would come out in court about the processes used, possibly about corrupt practices, I don't know.
Today The Government have announced the suspension of the franchise process. They have suddenly 'discovered' that there were flaws in the process. They are going to start again. They are compensating Virgin and the other companies involved to the tune of £60m.
This almost literally could not come at a worse time for the Government, because it is only a few hours since the leader of the opposition gave the best speech he has ever managed, focusing on the Government's incompetence, U-Turns and favouritism. So, my conclusion is that they must have been absolutely desperate to shut Branson down. He'll get the franchise now, and keep his mouth shut. He's a business man.