The Prime Minister has announced a review of transport links between the four nations of the United Kingdom.
The Chair of Network Rail, Sir Peter Hendy CBE, will lead the review and will look at boosting transport infrastructure and creating new routes.
The review will work closely with the Devolved Administrations and will cover road, rail, air and sea links. For Scotland, the review will specifically look into road and rail links, including the A1.
This announcement comes after a recent pledge by the UK Government to bring forward funding to accelerate infrastructure projects across the UK.
The review is expected to publish its final recommendations in Summer 2021.
Borders MP, John Lamont, has welcomed the review and anticipates promising recommendations for reopening the Borders Railway to Carlisle and dualling the A1.
John Lamont MP said: “Improved transport links mean better employment opportunities, more accessible education and opens up areas to tourism.
“This review will shape transport infrastructure across the UK, and will help level up our communities as we recover from Covid-19.
“That’s why I am absolutely delighted that the Union Connectivity Review will specifically look into improving cross-border links between the four nations of the UK.
“Extending the Borders Railway and improving the A1 are fantastic examples of how we can boost productivity by improving links with our neighbours.
“I welcome that someone as qualified as Sir Peter will be leading the review and I hope that he will look closely at options such as the Border Railway extension.
Sir Peter Hendy CBE added: “Connectivity drives economic growth, jobs and housing.
“Improving links across the UK on the basis of the wider economic benefits that increased investment will deliver will be of benefit to everyone in the UK, and I’m thus very pleased to lead this work”
