29-5-02

BARRETT WELCOMES FELLOW EDINBURGH MP TO TOP TRANSPORT JOB

John Barrett MP, the Scottish Liberal Democrat Spokesperson on Cross Border Transport, today congratulated fellow Edinburgh MP, Alistair Darling on his appointment as Transport Secretary.

John Barrett MP said: "It seems cabinet appointments are just like the buses, you wait for one then three come at once! Alistair Darling becomes Transport Secretary at a critical time though. After five years of this Labour Government, people are fed up waiting for trains that never come whilst seeing road congestion rise and rise.

"He must now bring a fresh start to his new Department and put behind the trouble and mistrust that existed under Stephen Byers.

"As a Scottish MP, I hope he will ensure that improvements in Scotland's transport network are made a top priority. We need to complete the building of the air traffic control centre at Prestwick to ensure high standards in air safety. We need major investment to increase rail capacity, getting commuters and freight off Scotland's roads and onto Scotland's railways. We need progress on a high speed rail link to England, the installation of new TPWS safety equipment and new rail links to Glasgow and Edinburgh airports.

"Major challenges await Alistair Darling in his new job, I hope he has the courage to meet them."

ENDS