Local Borders politicians have welcomed the Union Connectivity Review which examines how cross-Border connectivity within the UK can be improved.
The review was conducted by Sir Peter Hendy, Chair of Network Rail and looked at projects such as upgrading the A1 and extending the Borders Railway on to Hawick, Newcastleton and Carlisle.
Mr Lamont previously facilitated a meeting between Sir Peter Hendy and the Campaign for Borders Rail and the Newcastleton & District Community Trust.
John Lamont MP said:
“This is a very welcome review into cross-border transport. As a representative of the Borders I know how important these links are to local people, but also how vital they are for businesses on a wider scale.
“I fully support the extension of the Borders Railway to Hawick, Newcastleton and Carlisle and it is vital the £10m feasibility begins with renewed impetus.
“For Berwickshire, the A1 is a vital route to go north and south and I welcome this renewed focus on this corridor. It is also a vital route for freight into and out of Scotland.”
Rachael Hamilton MSP said:
“I am delighted that the Union Connectivity Review has highlighted the need to deliver infrastructure improvements in the Borders and Scotland as a whole.
“Transport connectivity is vital to economic growth, job creation, social cohesion and levelling up right across the UK.
“For the Borders, this review has committed to looking at how we upgrade East Coast transport links such as the A1 and the rail line between Edinburgh and London.
“I have long campaigned for the A1 to be fully dualled north of Berwick.
“We were in the situation where the A1 on our side of the border would have been left in its current state because of the SNP, whilst on the English side, it was going to be upgraded to dual carriageway.
“The opportunity brought about by the review sits in sharp contrast to the lack of infrastructure investment from the SNP Government.
“The SNP Government don’t care about fully dualling the route, because it doesn’t suit their Central Belt agenda.
“It is this UK Conservative Government that is delivering for the Borders and Scotland, providing us with the right tools to bounce back better after the pandemic”.
