MPs speak out to support West rail passengers

EXTENDED JOURNEY TIMES CRITICISED

- LEWIS CLARKE

DEVON MPs have condemned the impact of a key infrastructure project tied to the HS2 rail network on rail services to and from the region.

The building of Old Oak Common station, in west London, has been lauded for its ambition, but has also drawn ire from MPs representing the Westcountry, with accusations of neglect and inadequate mitigation measures for their constituents.

At stake are years of rail disruptions and slowed journey times - a blow to a region already feeling sidelined by national infrastructure spending.

Conservative Rebecca Smith, MP for South West Devon, has underscored the economic stakes for her region. "Devon and the wider South West are not just holiday destinations," she said in the House of Commons. "We have a thriving local economy... anything that hinders rail travel in and out of the South West will have a problematic impact."

Ms Smith questioned the adequacy of the Government's proposed £30 million mitigation package, which she argued was a drop in the ocean compared to the £6.5 billion being spent on Old Oak Common itself. "That money will essentially pay for depot changes and electrification closer to London," she added. "I struggle to see how it will compensate my constituents."