High speed rail link should run to Scotland

SNP MSP for Lothians Shirley-Anne Somerville today criticised Conservative plans for a high speed rail link from London to cut short haul flights that would go only as far as Leeds.

The Scottish Government has previously written to the UK Government over proposals for a high speed rail link from Edinburgh to London - a service which would bring considerable economic and environmental benefits.

The UK Government has so far failed to make the project a priority.

Ms Somerville said;

"This shows where the Tories priorities really lie.

"Without extending a high speed line from London up to Edinburgh the Conservatives will fail to cut out the short haul flights they claim this is aimed at.

"A high speed line needs to run not just to Leeds but to Scotland and vice versa cutting the number of business and shorthaul flights by offering a credible alternative.

"The current UK Government has failed to make a high speed line to Scotland a priority, it seems the Conservatives have forgotten Scotland altogether."