High-speed rail link will start in the North says Gordon Brown

Nov 24 2009 by William Green, The Journal

A NEW high-speed rail link will start in the North and link the country to Europe, the Prime Minister yesterday declared.

But Gordon Brown left everyone guessing about the exact start point of the new North-South connection when he addressed business chiefs at the CBI conference.

His comments come as a company set up by the Government to advise it on high speed rail will make its recommendations next month to Transport Secretary Lord Adonis about where the route should go.

Addressing the CBI, the Prime Minister yesterday said: “Let me tell you what we could ultimately achieve – a European network of train services that takes us quickly not just to Paris and Brussels but quickly to Cologne and to Amsterdam.

“And one that starts not just in London but in the North of our country.

“So from journey times today from Scotland to London of four hours 20 minutes, to three and a half hours, then three hours, and potentially even to under three hours.

“So, faster rail travel – not only within Britain, but to and from the mainland of Europe – is within our grasp,” said Mr Brown.