Prime Minister Boris Johnson has revealed that the cost of the Aylesbury spur for East West Rail ‘is currently very high’, but hopes it can be decreased.
Speaking in the House of Commons on Wednesday, June 23, the PM answered a question that was asked by the town’s MP, Rob Butler.
East West Rail is a project that is currently ongoing which aims to connect East Anglia with Central, South, and Western England.
READ MORE: Bucks MP supports £760m funding for the next phase of the East West Rail project
Once completed, the line could take people in Oxfordshire as well as those in Buckinghamshire to as far as Ipswich in Suffolk and Great Yarmouth in Norfolk.
The clip was shared on Facebook
Rob Butler MP Challenges Prime Minister over Aylesbury SpurThe Aylesbury spur of East-West Rail is essential to the success and prosperity of the town. It will cut congestion, improve journey times and reduce air pollution. Today in the House of Commons I challenged Prime Minister Boris Johnson to support the railway we do want in Bucks, not the one we don't.
Posted by Rob Butler MP on Wednesday, 23 June 2021
When speaking in the Commons last week, Mr Butler said: “With new houses comes the need for new infrastructure and in Aylesbury, we particularly need better transport links to cope with our growing population.
Rob Butler MP (inset) and Aylesbury Train Station
“Will my Rt Hon Friend, therefore, ensure that the Aylesbury spur of East West Rail is approved.
“There is a better business care than there is for HS2, and the spur has the great advantage of being the railway we do want rather than the one that we don’t?”
This comes after the MP of Aylesbury supported the £760 funding for the next stage of construction back in January.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson replied back with: “I can confirm to my honourable friend that the Department for Transport’s review is looking at the design and construction of the Aylesbury spur, but I have to caution that the cost of constructing that spur is currently very high.
READ MORE: TV presenters from popular Channel 4 show are spotted in pub near Aylesbury
“We need to look at the numbers to ensure that they come down and I hope he maybe helpful in that matter.”
It is suggested that both Aylesbury Train Station and Aylesbury Vale Parkway are to be included on the East West Rail line.
To sign a petition regarding the Aylesbury spur of East West Rail, click here.
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