Norman Baker MP Member of Parliament for Lewes constituency
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Norman Baker,
23 East Street,
Lewes,
East Sussex,
BN7 2LJ.
Tel: (01273) 480281.
Fax: (01273) 480287.
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Local MP renews call on government to reopen Lewes-Uckfield line
Lewes MP Norman Baker has today renewed his calls on the government to consider reopening the short stretch of rail track between Lewes and Uckfield. Speaking during a debate on the floor of the House of Commons, Norman condemned Labour’s pitiful record on investing in the railways in which it has re-opened only 12 miles of track since it came to power and continues to ignore the overwhelming case for lines such as the Lewes-Uckfield track to be reopened.
Speaking during a debate in the House of Commons, Norman asked the Transport Minister, Alistair Darling:
“Many former railway lines are crying out to be reopened, not least the Lewes-Uckfield line in my constituency. The social, environmental and economic case for that is beyond question. The reopening is supported by all three parties, it would close a small gap in the network and provide an alternative to the Brighton main line. If we cannot reopen that line, when will any line reopen under Labour?”
In response the Minister stated that he could give no assurance that “there is any likelihood of that line reopening in the near future” and admitted that since Labour came to power in 1997 only 12 miles of track has been re-opened.
Speaking after the debate, Norman said:
“The case for reopening this line is overwhelming and any sane national transport policy would have achieved it by now.
“The fact that only twelve miles of line has been reopened since Labour came to power is frankly pathetic. The government still seems fixed in the mindset that money spent on the railway is subsidy whereas money spent on the roads is investment.
“I have spent many years arguing for the reopening of this line which would have significant social, economic and environmental benefits to my constituents and I will continue to do so until such time as the government sees common sense.”