No More Delays For Crossrail

10.46.16am GMT Fri 20th Feb 2004

Commenting on reports that Ministers are putting pressure on London and Continental railways consortium to bail out Eurotunnel in return for the contract for Crossrail Simon Hughes, Liberal Democrat London Mayoral candidate said:- "The Government and the Mayor seem to have put all their eggs in one basket in seemingly thinking that LCR are the only firm that could get the badly needed cross London rail link built."

"The situation is so urgent that, if they are not prepared to go with LRC, the Mayor and Ministers should be talking to other companies who have schemes that could offer hope to London's travelling public."

"Crossrail is essential for the future vitality of London and must be completed as soon as is practical. The case for Crossrail has been made many times over - let's get the Montague report published, let's hear the thoughts of the public and lets get a railway built that links east and west London together."