SNP constitutional delay could sabotage long-term investment

In First Minister's Questions today, Ruth Davidson has criticised the SNP Government on it's plans to wreck Scotland's railways.

The Rail 2014 document not only proposed more crowding and longer journeys for passengers – but also admitted that they might only be able to get a short term deal for our railways because investors could be concerned about the uncertainty over Scotland's constitutional future.

Speaking after First Minister's Questions, Ruth Davidson said:

"We all want Scotland's railways to be fit for the 21st Century but there is a cloud hanging over long term investment right now.

"This document, signed off by two Government ministers, tells us that Transport Scotland might only be able to get a short term deal for our railways because investors could be deterred due to the uncertainty over Scotland's constitutional future.

"Alex Neil has admitted it, Keith Brown has admitted it; so isn't it time that Alex Salmond admitted it – it is the SNP's constitutional dither and delay that could sabotage long-term investment in Scotland."

In the Scottish Government consultation document, 'RAIL 2014 – PUBLIC CONSULTATION', sanctioned by Alex Neil MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment and Keith Brown MSP, Minister for Housing and Transport the following is written:

3 - Procuring rail passenger services

Length of contracts

3.19 We are mindful that the coming years are likely to bring significant organisational and operational change across the industry as it rises to the challenges identified in the McNulty report. Over the same period there may also be, particularly for Scotland, significant constitutional changes. Accordingly, we welcome views on the merits, or otherwise, of proceeding with a short-term franchise.

This extract is from page 21 of the Consultation paper. The full document is available at http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/files/documents/reports/j203179/j203179.pdf

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