Cross-border support for Borders Railway extension

Speaking in Edinburgh today, David Mundell MP, Secretary of State for Scotland said everyone was “of a mind” that the line should go on to Carlisle and pledged to work closely with the Scottish Government on a feasibility study.

Hawick MSP John Lamont has welcomed the news and pledged to work closely with both the UK and Scottish Governments to ensure that the work to look at the effects of extending the railway is done quickly and accurately.

John Lamont MSP said: “Any extension of the railway onto Carlisle will require close cooperation between the UK and Scottish Governments and so this is a very welcome intervention from David Mundell MP.

“The extension of the railway has the potential to really benefit Hawick at a time when the town is struggling to attract investment and retain jobs.

“I am very supportive of extending the railway to Hawick and onto Carlisle, but it is really important that we properly explore the effects this may have on the Borders to ensure we get maximum return for the investment.

“We also need to do more to ensure that the transport system for the current railway and any extension is properly integrated so that everyone from the Borders reaps the benefit of this investment.

“I look forward to working with both Governments in Westminster and Holyrood to ensure this work is carried out as quickly as possible.”