SCOTLAND should have a direct link to mainland Europe, an MP has urged.
The original plans for the European rail service Eurostar had included a link between Paris and Glasgow, as well as routes from the North of England and Wales.
Despite trains being purchased, the vision never became reality and it is understood the stock was later sold on.
Kenny MacAskill, Alba MP for East Lothian, has called for a rethink, saying that an extension of the European train service, which only operates from London, could help in the fight against climate change and better connect Scotland to Europe.
Ahead of Cop26, a group of European leaders and delegates took Eurostar from Paris, Rotterdam, Brussels to Glasgow on a route billed as the ‘Climate Train’.
They travelled to London then changed to take a train to Glasgow, while holding a series of debates and seminars on climate change and sustainable travel.
European Commission vice president Frans Timmermans, a rail enthusiast, said before the journey:“What could be nicer than travelling by train to an international climate summit?”
Mr MacAskill has argued that there should be a fixed permanent link, and said it was always part of the original Eurostar plans.
In a parliamentary question earlier this month, the MP asked the Department for Transport what discussions they had had about a sleeper service going from Scotland to mainland Europe.
Chris Heaton-Harris, junior transport minister, did not directly say that no such discussions were taking place, but said the UK Government “stands ready to engage” with operators if the need was there.
He said: “The Government supports the future growth and success of international passenger rail services, which provide many benefits for passengers, businesses and the wider economy including significant environmental benefits.
“The Government regularly engages with international partners, as well as industry, to discuss and encourage the expansion of international rail connections to Europe.
“The Government stands ready to engage with other partners and private operators to facilitate potential new sleeper services, where there is a commercial proposition to do so.”
Mr MacAskill said his response, as well as the Chancellor’s decision to lower air passenger duty (APD) in the Budget last week, showed a lack of ambition.
He said: “When Eurostar was first mooted Scotland was promised a direct link to the continent.
“Trains were bought and timetables scheduled so that Scots could overnight and arrive in Paris for morning, as well as avoiding flying or changing train in London.
“Those promises were broken. Now as COP 26 meets in Glasgow and when climate change is more pressing than, ever promises need kept. It’s not a cut in APD on flights to London that Scotland needs, but a quality high-speed rail network with direct links to the continent.
“The climate is being damaged, and Scotland denied [this opportunity]. That needs to change.”
According to records, there was a plan for a sleeper service travelling from Glasgow to Manchester and on to Paris when the Eurostar was first launched.
It was due to leave Glasgow around 8pm, arrive in Manchester at 8.30pm, and get to Paris around 9am the following day.
There were similar plans for services from Swansea and Plymouth.
It is understood that Eurotunnel computer systems had been aligned to ferries in order to be able to process ticket sales, and train stock was purchased but later sold to the Canadian national railway network.
The Department for Transport did not respond to a request for comment.
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