Scotland pushes for high-speed rail

Nov 12 2012

The Scottish Government is to put pressure on Westminster to extend the high-speed railway to Glasgow.

At a two-day conference in Glasgow, politicians from Scotland and the north of England will meet business leaders from London, rail experts and representatives from Scottish civic life to make the case for extending the HS2 line.

Currently the Government plans to take the line from London to Birmingham, followed by extensions to Manchester and Leeds which not be completed until 2033.

The Scottish Government says bringing the line to Glasgow could shorten the journey time to London by two hours and would generate £24.8 billion for the country.

The summit will be hosted by Scottish deputy first minister Nicola Sturgeon and transport minister Keith Brown. Mr Brown will meet Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin to make the case.

Mr Brown said: "This event will see many English local authorities join with us here in Scotland to show their support for a high-speed rail line which would benefit the whole of the UK.

"The Scottish Government looks forward to a future where Scotland stands on its own two feet as a nation, fully connected with its neighbouring communities.

"High-speed rail will play a huge part in that and sits squarely with this government's two defining policy objectives: to increase the rate of Scotland's economic growth, and to develop a low carbon economy which leads the world in its ambition.

"Scotland is more than capable of taking the lead on innovation and partnership working and local authorities north of London have already voiced their support for our proposals. This will offer an opportunity to see how we can work together to have all our voices heard.

"All local authorities which back the UK-wide line must surely see how that would positively impact on all areas along the way."