Let down by Government over rail link.

THE North East has been let down again by the Labour Government over transport by the decision to route the new high-speed rail link via the North West.

It is very disappointing that the Government and Network Rail decided to ignore the claims of the North East.

The Liberal Democrats are committed to investing in a UK-wide highspeed rail network, which would be paid for by the creation of a Future Transport Fund.

However, the Conservatives would only build the rail link to Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham and London - ignoring the North East and Scotland, while Labour ignores the North East and Yorkshire.

A recent report commissioned by Metro and the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive revealed that a highspeed rail line serving Yorkshire and the Humber would be worth pounds 32bn to that region's economy.

The North East's economy could benefit by a similar level if this region was connected to London by high-speed rail.

A high-speed rail line connecting the North East to London and Scotland would pay for itself.

With improved transport links to London, the North East can really support the UK's economy. Ron Beadle Liberal Democrat Parliamentary spokesman for Newcastle North

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