LONDON RAIL LINK TO GERMANY BUT STILL NO HIGH SPEED LINE TO SCOTLAND

For immediate use: Tuesday 21st September 2010

Attn:   NEWSDESKS

         TRANSPORT CORRESPONDENTS

 

COMPOUNDS PROBLEM OF LONDON GOVT’S DISRESPECT AGENDA

Aberdeen North SNP MSP, Brian Adam, has criticised the continued failure of the UK Government to invest in direct rail services linking London with the north of Scotland or to agree that High speed rail should start in Scotland as well as London just as German national rail company, Deutsche Bahn, launched plans for a 2013 high speed rail service from London to Frankfurt.

The SNP has been raising concerns over the future of rail links to Aberdeen and Inverness after changes in rolling stock – from diesel to electric – would mean that trains could not continue north of Edinburgh, because lines are not electrified.  

Commenting, Mr Adam said:

“This just compounds the fears many people and businesses have that the future of direct rail services to the north of Scotland are at risk. We must stop this threat in its tracks.

“A high speed rail service to Germany will be a boost for business, but if North East businesses don’t have decent access to the south they will not be able to benefit from it.

“The last government proposed buying new dual fuel diesel/electric trains for use on the line. That decision has been postponed indefinitely and  it looks increasingly like the Tories and LibDems are set to cancel these trains.

“It would be a completely backward step if we were lose these direct services and a massive blow for businesses and tourism in the north of Scotland.

“What we need are good services now and high speed rail in the future to benefit out businesses with better links to the south, Europe and hopefully to the new German link and to give people a quick and easy way of reaching the north of Scotland.

“The contrast between  a new line from London to Frankfurt and no direct connection from Aberdeen to London will not be lost on those who think the Tories have put Scotland out of their minds.

“The loss of these direct services will impact on the constituents of many Scottish Liberal Democrat MPs who use these services to London, and will be concerned that their MP is now supporting a Government who wish to see these services cut."

ENDS