Aylesbury MP urges Boris Johnson to support town's East-West Rail link during Prime Minister's Questions

At Prime Minister's Questions yesterday (June 23), MP for Aylesbury Rob Butler challenged the prime minister to support the Aylesbury spur of East-West Rail.

Speaking in the House of Commons the MP said: “With new houses comes the need for new infrastructure, and in Aylesbury, we particularly need better transport links to cope with our growing population.

“Will my Right Honourable Friend therefore ensure that the Aylesbury spur of East- West Rail is approved; there's a better business case than there is for HS2 and the spur has the great advantage of being the railway we do want rather than the one that we don't?”

Boris Johnson responded saying: “Yes, Mr Speaker, I can confirm to my Honourable Friend that the Department for Transport’s review is looking at the design and construction of the Aylesbury spur but I have to caution that the cost of constructing that spur is currently very high and we need to look at the numbers to ensure that they come down and I hope he may be helpful in that matter.”

The MP reflected on his interaction with the Prime Minister afterwards, adding: “The Aylesbury spur of East-West Rail is essential to the success and prosperity of the town, particularly as Aylesbury continues to expand. This vital link will cut congestion, improve journey times and reduce air pollution. I was pleased to take the case all the way to the Prime Minister today, and I will continue to press ministers and the Department of Transport to approve this crucial piece of infrastructure.”