SNP Business and Enterprise spokesperson Mike Weir MP has called upon the UK government to make clear its intentions over the proposal to provide new rolling stock on the East Coast mainline.

In setting out the budget of the Department of Transport the Chancellor of the Exchequer listed many of the projects that were proceeding but no mention was made of the provision of new rolling stock on the line.

Commenting, Mr Weir said it was vital that the issue be addressed and the uncertainty be ended.

Mr Weir said:

“The provision of the dual electric/diesel trains for the East Coast main line is an essential investment in an important economic asset.

The previous government postponed the decision just before the General Election and the present government has twice postponed it further.

“Looking at the fine print of the CSR it states “Final decisions will be made by the Department for Transport after the Spending Review on the replacement of the UK’s inter-city high speed trains”. I have to assume that this refers to the east coast line, although it is not entirely clear.

“If the government are serious about the line and encouraging the use of rail rather than air then they must commit to providing this new rolling stock as a matter of urgency.”