2-7-02

“Government must do more to boost Scottish flights” says Barrett

John Barrett, Scottish Liberal Democrat Spokesperson on Cross-Border Transport, today called on the Scottish Office to do more to increase the number of direct flights, especially trans-atlantic flights, to and from Scotland.

Speaking in a Westminster Hall debate on the issue, Mr Barrett called for the Secretary of State for Scotland to work to try and bring down the barriers that currently stand in the way of an increase in passenger traffic.

In a statement, Mr Barrett said:

"It is clear there is a great deal of demand for direct flights from both the tourist and business sector. Yet Scotland lags behind other similar sized countries when it comes to supplying that demand.

"The Scotland Office, a Department which isn't exactly overworked at present, should be leading from the front and encouraging inward investment, especially in airport infrastructure, to try and clear the way for an increase in direct flights.

"Transport links to and from Glasgow and Edinburgh airports needs drastically improved and must remain a priority. It is ridiculous that today, we still do not have rail links to either of Scotland's main airports. Instead, we have faced a situation in Edinburgh, where taxi wars ruled, a shambles of a system that was a sorry welcome for anyone visiting the city.

"The ridiculous cost of flying to Scotland from abroad and within the UK, also needs urgent action. When we are trying to boost the tourism sector in Scotland, especially after foot and mouth and the events of September 11th, the current costs associated with travelling to Scotland must surely act as a major disincentive to those considering visiting our country.

"There is a lot of work which Scottish Ministers could be undertaking to try and increase flights in Scotland. Now is the time for them to get on with it."

ENDS