High speed rail must benefit all parts of Scotland - McInnes

11.15.59am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 2nd Jun 2008

Liberal Democrat Transport spokesperson Alison McInnes MSP has added her voice to the influential business groups lobbying for a high-speed rail link between Scotland and London.

Mrs McInnes is calling on the Scottish Government to ensure that any development of a high-speed rail link benefits every part of Scotland and not just Edinburgh and Glasgow. Mrs McInnes believes that any development of a new link to London must go hand in hand with improvements to our regional rail networks.

Commenting, Mrs McInnes said:

"I am delighted that this influential business group is driving forward the campaign for a high-speed rail link between Scotland and London.

"A reliable, sub-three hour link to London will boost business and encourage air passengers to choose travelling by train, which is better for the environment.

"It is, however, important that all of Scotland benefits from any new high-speed link. It is imperative that any development of a new link to London goes hand in hand with improvements to our regional rail networks. A high-speed link from London to Edinburgh or Glasgow will be of little use to business in Aberdeen and the North East if the connecting journey takes twice as long."