Howarth backs £12.5bn plan with renewed call to re-open rail line

2.38.00pm GMT Thu 18th Dec 2008

Cambridge MP David Howarth has backed his party's Green Road out of Recession plan by renewing his call to re-open the Cambridge to Oxford railway line.

The call came as Liberal Democrat leader, Nick Clegg, unveiled his £12.5 billion plan - paid for by scrapping the VAT cut - which he promised would create jobs, save energy, put money back into people's pockets and fight climate change.

Mr Howarth said: "The government is intent on borrowing money without putting investment into areas which could really make a difference.

"These proposals would provide the investment needed to produce a high class public transport system to encourage people and freight off the roads and on to railway.

"Rail fares are the highest in Europe and under government proposals will rise further.

"Here in Cambridge, we need to get the railway line to Oxford re-opened and the rail freight link to the ports of Felixstowe and Harwich improved so that we can get more lorries off the dangerous and congested A14 and on to rail.

"Passengers are paying more and more every year for rail travel but are rewarded with overcrowded carriages and delays. The Green Road out of Recession plan offers an opportunity to change this."

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