Bruce attacks Tory opposition to high speed rail plans
February 24, 2010 6:30 PM
Local MP Malcolm Bruce is urging the government to prioritize high speed rail links to Scotland and has attacked Conservative opposition to the plans.
Speaking at Scottish questions in Westminster today, Mr Bruce questioned the Scottish minister, Ann McKechin, about her discussions with the Transport Secretary on the adequacy of rail links between England and Scotland.
Mr Bruce pressed the minister for a response. He asked:
"Does the Minister acknowledge that there would be no better way to develop the economies of the north of England and Scotland than to make a commitment to invest in a high-speed rail link, as that would stimulate investment there and ensure that Scotland and the north of England can fully participate in the development of the country? Are the Government committed to that step, and do they understand why the Conservative party is not?"
After the session, Mr Bruce commented:
"I am deeply disappointed that this issue does not have the cross-party support that it deserves and requires. The Conservatives' failure to back plans connecting the north and south of the UK via high speed rail only goes to show how little interest they have in Scotland and its economic development."
"Establishing high speed rail links between England and Scotland is vital to the ongoing economic and cultural development for the whole of the country including North-East Scotland. It should be a national priority for the Government."
"Shrinking the gap between the congested South-East England and Scottish cities like Aberdeen would tap into the region's great business potential. Proposals for High speed rail links could reduce the journey time to London to less than 5 hours."
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