The business case for high speed rail is stronger when it includes Scotland, Scottish Transport Minister, Keith Brown, said on Tuesday.
The Minister, who was providing evidence before the House of Commons’ Transport Select Committee, said a UK high speed rail link will deliver significant economic benefits to Scotland.
Mr Brown, said:
“I’ve made the case for the significant benefits that a high speed rail link to Scotland will bring a link which will stimulate economic growth and help secure and create jobs for businesses and communities across the country.
“We must recognise that Scotland is central, not peripheral, to the business case and reports clearly show that the case for high speed rail in Britain to be significantly stronger when it includes an extension to Scotland.
“We also know we could see economic benefits here in Scotland of up to £20 billion pounds and a further £5 billion of wider benefits through job creation.
“So it is clear that without Scotland’s full inclusion in such a network, the long term economic health of our key cities would be seriously disadvantaged.
“I have made our views clear again. High speed rail is at the heart of the Scottish Government’s key objectives – to create long term economic growth and to develop a world-leading low carbon economy.
“If we are to reap the benefits for businesses and communities across Scotland which a high speed rail link will bring, we must continue to press our case and ensure Scotland’s voice is heard.”
