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.