15 October 2004

Michael Howard Demands Action On High Speed Rail Link

Michael Howard, Member of Parliament for Folkestone and Hythe, has urged Alistair Darling, Secretary of State for Transport, to make a decision on the opening of domestic services on the High Speed Rail Link.

At the opening of the High Speed Rail Link more than a year ago on 16 September 2003, Mr Howard publicly asked Mr Darling for a decision on the opening of domestic services and was told that a decision could be expected shortly. Mr Howard has now written to Mr Darling to raise the issue once again.

Mr Howard said:

“The phrase ‘shortly’ is a very elastic phrase but, even so, it must be beyond breaking point by now. The High Speed Rail Link is vital to the economy of the region and this level of delay from the Secretary of State is unacceptable. Once again I am urging the Minister to come to a speedy decision.”