PM invites Sturgeon to work on cross-border transport

BORIS JOHNSON has invited Nicola Sturgeon to work with him on Unionboosting transport projects including widening more of the A1 between England and Scotland.

Speaking ahead of today’s publication of Sir Peter Hendy’s Union Connectivity Review, the Prime Minister said he wanted to deliver better transport connections that would create a “more cohesive and connected UK”.

He pledged to “work closely” with the Scottish Government to take forward the projects identified by Sir Peter and backed a proposal for the creation of UKNET – a strategic transport network spanning the entire UK.

Among the schemes identified in the review are developing an assessment of the road and rail transport corridor from north-east England to south-east Scotland, including improvements to the East Coast Main Line and the A1.

It recommended increasing capacity on the West Coast Main Line and cutting journey times between Scotland and London. It also suggested offering the Scottish Government funding to improve the A75 which links Stranraer with the ferry ports for Northern Ireland at Cairnryan.

However, the Prime Minister’s plan for a bridge or tunnel linking Scotland and Northern Ireland was dropped. The Sunday Telegraph disclosed last weekend that the review concluded it would be too challenging and costly.

There is growing concern that the First Minister will backtrack on her pledges to upgrade some of Scotland’s most vital trunk roads to dual carriageways following her decision to bring the Greens into her government.

But Mr Johnson said: “With some of the busiest travel corridors for both passengers and freight, strengthening transport connections between Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom is critical to maximise the potential for growth and jobs.”

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “Transport is devolved to Holyrood... and UK ministers have no role in deciding investment in Scotland’s trunk roads.”