MEPs in plea over rail link funding

Group Political Editor

Wednesday 28 December 2011

A HIGH-SPEED rail link between Scotland and England could be supported by EU funds if Westminster drops its "lacklustre" attitude, claim SNP European Parliament members.

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Brian Currie Political Editor

Alyn Smith and Aileen McLeod are urging Transport Secretary Justine Greening to investigate accessing the EU's "Ten-T" budget, which was created to provide more efficient transport and infrastructure links between member states for the movement of goods and people.

The MEPs believe a high-speed rail link connecting Scotland with the proposed line between London and the Midlands could win a grant as the line would connect in London with the Eurostar to France. Mr Smith said: "The economic case for a high- speed rail link connecting Scotland to the rest of the UK and the continent is undeniable. "This funding stream is available not just for high- speed rail but for a host of projects the length and breadth of Scotland."Mr Smith claimed access to the money was being put at risk because of Prime Minister David Cameron's "disastrous approach to the European Union".He added: "It's time that the UK Government actually sit up and take note of the pluses that membership of the European community can bring."Dr McLeod added: "By working together across parties and across governments we can ensure that we are successful in delivering what Scotland needs."

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MEPs in plea over rail link funding

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