Lib Dem MEP Fiona Hall calls for backing for Eurostar extension to North East

10.00.00am GMT Thu 10th Jan 2008

Fiona Hall, Liberal Democrat Member of the European Parliament, has called on the Government to be clear about backing the proposals for extending the Eurostar line to the North East.

Arup, the group that managed the construction of the Eurostar link between Paris and London, known as High Speed I, recently announced that it was beginning a feasibility study into extending the Eurostar high-speed link to Heathrow, Birmingham and potentially up to Scotland via the North East.

Fiona Hall said she was delighted at the announcement. However, Ms Hall voiced fears that once again the North East could lose out unless the Government came out in principle in favour of the plans.

She said:

"I am concerned that these plans have not received the support of the Government and regardless of any feasibility studies, any new proposals will live or die depending on Government backing.

"In July last year, the Minister for the North East, Nick Brown turned his back on high-speed rail links to the region.

"I will be lobbying the Government to support any proposals that improve public transport links from London to the North East and I urge others to do likewise. It may take concerted lobbying from all regional organisations and representatives to get the Government support we need."