Scotland should get behind high-speed rail, say MPs

Date: 17/3/2011

By not supporting proposals for a high-speed rail network (HS2) in Scotland, the country could risk missing out.

This is the message being sent out by politicians and business chiefs who live and work there, following plans by the government to create a system that would connect cities across the UK with London.

It is proposed a Y-shape framework is constructed that would begin in the capital and stretch to Manchester on one side and Leeds on the other, before connecting with existing lines feeding through to Scotland.

Typical journey times between London and Glasgow or Edinburgh could be reduced by as much as one hour should the project go ahead, it has been estimated.

Transport Minister Norman Baker said: "If this network is to be built and if Scotland is to link up to it, it is vital that we hear vocal support now and that everybody understands the transformational impact it would have on the economy."

In February, the government launched one of the biggest public consultations ever undertaken in the UK in order to focus on HS2 proposals.

Posted by Mary Treen