MP says money could be better spent
John Baron MP today voted against the High Speed Rail [Preparation] Bill when it came before the House of Commons for Third Reading. John previously voted against these proposals when they last came before Parliament on 26th June 2013, and has also written to the Chancellor urging him to reconsider his decision to fund the project. The vote was won by the Government 250 to 34.
John said:
“The scheme may reduce journey time between major cities, but advances in technology, even since the last Election, mean this time can now be profitably spent – and even more so given the advent of 4G data services.”
“Evidence from other advanced economies suggests that when high speed rail systems are introduced, they can either adversely affect regional rail systems or centralise economic activity on the capital – or both. Regional economies usually suffer.”
“Overall, the cost is hard to justify in these austere times. Some of the money could be better spent on our Armed Forces, on people struggling generally with the rising cost of living, and on smaller companies by cutting their Corporation Tax. Existing rail networks could also be upgraded.”
“Some of the money could also be spent on helping to reduce the country’s huge debts, to the benefit of our children.”
Ends
Word Count: 224
Date: 31st October 2013
Notes to Editors
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