Mark gave a warm welcome today to Network Rail’s announcement of plans for a new 200 mph rail route between London and Scotland. The route would run from central London, via Birmingham, Manchester, Warrington, Liverpool and Preston to Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Mark has been strongly arguing for investment in electrification and new high speed links as an alternative to air travel. He commented:

“A new high speed link is vital if we want people to switch from plane to train.

“It would also give an important boost to business and tourism in Edinburgh.

“I call on the UK Government to make an early commitment to back the line and for the Scottish Government to work closely with its counterparts in Westminster to ensure that Scotland reaps the maximum benefit from the new route.”

The announcement does not mean that the line will definitely be built but in setting out its preferred route, Network Rail has accepted the case for the high speed link to run to Edinburgh and Central Scotland. Trains could reach Edinburgh in just over 2 hours.

A high speed electrified link from London to Scotland would benefit the environment through taking freight off the roads and cutting domestic flights by offering an attractive alternative to air. Electric trains are also lighter and able to use renewable energy in contrast to fossil fuel-based diesel trains.

Mark called for the development of high speed networks in a speech on sustainable railways at Westminster debate in February. To read it, just click here and scroll down.