Local Lib Dem MP Sir Alan Beith has reacted to with anger to a proposal that sees a high-speed rail link to Scotland built along the west coast missing out the North East. Sir Alan said:
"If high-speed rail goes ahead on the west coast without integrating the North East it will severely harm our regional economy at a time when we are working very hard to attract new industries and businesses to the area. Good train links are vital to the region's economy and the North East cannot afford to be left out. Conservative plans of terminating a high-speed rail line from London in Leeds also do nothing to help our region.
"I will continue to lobby for a high speed rail link that connects our region with the rest of the country. In the mean time, real benefits could be gained by making improvements to the East Coast Main Line and increasing its capacity."
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