"The new station is a fantastic addition to our rail network and will without doubt; improve considerably journey times between London and Brussels/Pans. However the benefit for rail passengers in the North West of this £800 million investment will be somewhat limited because of our inability to link directly with St Pancras" said Mr Simpson.
Rail campaigners believe that what is now needed urgently is a second high-speed line that could link directly St Pancras with other major cities like Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool, so that the rest of the country can benefit from St Pancras and the Channel Tunnel high speed rail link.
" The danger is that with the opening of St Pancras and the go ahead for London's Crossrail project, the Government and the Railway Industry, feel the job is done and don't feel the need to take the next step of linking our other major cities into the European high speed network. At the moment a train journey from Liverpool or Manchester to Brussels, means either getting over to Sheffield or a walk from Euston to St Pancras. Frankly I don't believe that is good enough for England's premier region." said Mr Simpson.
With a new dedicated high-speed line linking Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool to St Pancras, not only could journey times to London be cut, but the possibility of linking these three cities directly with Brussels and Pars could be a possibility.
"This week is about St Pancras and the creation of a wonderful amenity; but next week should be about linking the North West to the European High Speed rail network and delivering a first class service not only to London, but to other parts of the country as well. Congratulations to everyone concerned with St Pancras, but now let's finish the job by linking in the rest of the nation with direct services to the heart of Europe" concluded Mr Simpson.
Ends
For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer,
Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053 or Brian Simpson MEP, Tel: 01744 451609 or briansimpson.labour@virgin.net
