A high-speed train at Sandwich

A Kent MP has called on the transport secretary to see the High Speed 1 rail service completed through to Thanet.

Sir Roger Gale, who represents North Thanet, spoke following Patrick McLoughlin's statement on the proposed future route of High Speed 2 services to the north of England.

He said: "It takes real political courage to press the case for major infrastructure projects that may not deliver results for several parliaments ahead but if nobody takes those decisions now then our grandchildren and even their children will suffer from our lack of vision today.

"It is shocking that there has no significant investment in a railway line north of London for more than a century and as the secretary of state has indicated a willingness to consult and listen I hope that HS2 will be given a fair wind.

"At the same time, there is little point in starting a project and then not seeing it through.

"The so-called ‘fast link’ from London to Ashford does not reach its potential and will not do so unless and until it is pushed through to Manston Airport and the Isle of Thanet.

"If the government wants a seriously good advertisement for high speed rail in the United Kingdom then the answer is swift and simple: pick up where the last Labour government failed and finish High Speed 1."

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