HIGH SPEED RAIL MUST CONTINUE TO SCOTLAND

HIGH SPEED RAIL MUST CONTINUE TO SCOTLAND

“DRIVES COACH AND HORSES THROUGH EMISSIONS TARGETS”

SNP MP Mike Weir has hit out at UK Government proposals announced formally in the House of Commons this morning (Thursday) for a fast rail link from London to Birmingham, insisting that any line must rightly extend to Scotland.

Commenting Mr Weir said:

“High speed rail to Scotland is a vital and necessary prospect which offers the best solution to transport problems between Scotland and the rest of the UK.

“The ability to travel between Scotland and London in as little as three hours would revolutionise travel in the UK and bring significant economic benefits to Scottish communities.

“To invest in the rail link would also be to invest in a sustainable environmental future by reducing the number of damaging short haul flights. The proposal to stop the line at Birmingham would make no dent in short haul air travel and drives coach and horses through the UK Government’s own emissions targets.

“Both Labour and the Tories are backtracking on high speed rail in their race to Number 10 at the expense of the people of Scotland – proof, if any were needed, that the London parties care more about winning votes than winning the best deal for Scotland.

“Only the SNP will champion Scotland’s interests at Westminster and fight for a rail network that serves the whole of the UK.”