Hugh Questions Blair over Kent Railways

PM SAYS RAIL SERVICES MUST BE MAINTAINED

Hugh Robertson has questioned the Prime Minister about the SRA’s proposed cuts to train services on the Maidstone – Ashford line. In the exchange, at Prime Minister’s Questions, Hugh Robertson asked:

‘The Strategic Rail Authority has proposed to cut completely the rail service on the Maidstone to Ashford line outside peak periods.

Given that the railway is a vital transport facility for many local communities and that this proposal breaks specific undertakings given by the government at the time of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, will the Prime Minister act to prevent these proposals?’

The Prime Minister replied: ‘I will certainly look into the point the Honourable Gentleman makes. Everything has to be done within the transport budget. That is clear and right. But it is obviously important that we maintain services. I will look into The Honourable Gentleman’s point but I cannot give him any undertaking until I have done so.’

Hugh said afterwards: “I am encouraged by the Prime Minister’s response. He stated that services must be maintained and promised to look into the issue personally.

“This is certainly considerable progress but it is vital that he now keeps to his word. I will continue to press the both him and the government on this issue.”