MP urges Scottish high speed rail link

SCOTLAND should be included in plans for the high speed rail network, an SNP MP has claimed.

Mike Weir has written to UK Transport Secretary Justine Greening asking to see a clear timetable for the line’s extension north of the Border.

The high-speed line is due to link London and Birmingham in its first phase, and extend to Leeds by 2033.

Weir said studies had suggested that a high speed rail link to Scotland would boost the economy by some £20 billion.

In his letter, he wrote: “There is a stronger and more robust business case for the plans to be extended to Scotland from the outset.

“The Scottish Government has included high speed rail within its own infrastructure plans, and I am aware that talks have taken place between the two governments.

“I urge the UK government to commit to a firm timetable, work with the Scottish Government to bring this crucial long-term transport infrastructure to Scotland and to ensure Scotland is included in the plans from the outset, not left waiting for another generation”.

Mr Weir said: “This infrastructure is crucial for our long-term transport future in Scotland, but existing UK government plans don’t go far enough. There is currently no scheduled commitment to extend the line beyond Leeds – keeping Scotland in the slow lane for another twenty years.

“Connecting Scottish cities is central, not peripheral, to the business case for high speed rail.”