Forum Topic

Crossrail

Oh dear. More Labour scare mongering about the Conservatives' commitment to Crossrail!Justine Greening mentioned in her recent interview on LBC that Crossrail would be part of a review. But a review, surely, doesn't mean that projects are cancelled and Crossrail is a Conservative manifesto commitment. So far Labour have ducked having a spending review, unlike any other responsible government - what are they hiding from us?I only wish Bassam Mahouf could be more transparent about Labour's plans for Crossrail as I don't think they have made any definite guarantees about funding in their manifesto, and Vince Cable for the Lib Dems has said it's not a priority for them.Personally, I'd rather trust the Tories on Crossrail.

Jackie More ● 5993d5 Comments

Jackie,It's not scaremongering.Greening said in her LBC interview that she 'could not guarantee' that the Conservatives would build Crossrail. As a former council candidate for Acton, she should really know about the importance of such a transport network for our community.Labour's manifesto states that "We will complete the new east-west Crossrail line in London adding ten per cent to London transport capacity."It's a priority for Labour nationally and locally. Have you asked Bassam for his views on Crossrail? I'm sure he'll be as transparent as you'd like given that his Council shadow portfolio has covered this area for some time.And yes, in the interests of full disclosure, I'm one of the Labour candidates for Acton Central in the local election.

Dan Crawford ● 5993d

Are you Dan?You have kept that quiet...or maybe I should read the literature.

Sara Nathan ● 5993d

On last night's debate, "Dave" whined on about how he was in favour of rail and especially high speed links when asked about his green credentials.  I nearly choked on my tea.  The tories will undoubtedly drop crossrail.

Anne Brown ● 5993d

I feel a bit sorry of Angie Bray on this one...First Ealing Council explode a row in her marginal constituency over Derwentwater school - which then the council and Angie very sensibly sorted out...Then Justine Greening casts doubt on the most important infrastructure project in Acton since the arrival of the Picadilly and Central lines in the 1920s.. ... basically a bit of a vote killer. (My guess is Angie needed that intervention like a hole in the head)The truth is that this is a really difficult issue for all parties. The Lib Dems have flip-flopped on Crossrail - with Vince Cable saying he would cancel it only for the party to perform a U-turn to back it. Labour has always supported it - but they may not be around to have to pay for it. As for Justine Greening - I think she was just being honest.The fact remains that there are going to have to be major budget cuts - and Crossrail (at £16 billion) will be in the mix. But for Acton to lose this project would be a massive blow to the area. PS. What would be really interesting to know is how many marginal (and other) constituencies Crossrail runs through - and what impact on voting patterns cancelling it is likely to have.

Richard Grange ● 5993d

"Crossrail (at £16 billion) will be in the mix."It doesn't cost £16bn, at least not in the sense that cancelling it will magically put £16bn back in the kitty.  Costs £4bn in government money.  Cancelling it therefore a) makes damn all difference to the finances and b) makes a huge difference to London's economy.  It's therefore not prudent to even doubt that you might build it, it's insane.  Back it now.  Even Boris has worked that one out.

Thomas Barry ● 5992d