Rob Wilson, MP for Reading East, has been congratulated by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne MP, for his successful campaign for funding for the western extension of rail access to London Heathrow Airport. The Chancellor singled out Rob’s “enormous contribution” to the project.
George Osborne’s comments follow the announcement made on Thursday last week that the Government’s Rail Strategy will include £500million for investment in a western extension of rail access from London Heathrow to Reading and beyond. The great news from the Rail Strategy comes after a campaign led by Rob to bring the massive infrastructure investment to Reading.
With this latest announcement on infrastructure funding, the total inward investment Rob has helped bring to the area since his election in 2005 tops £1.4billion including the Reading Station revamp at £850million and the University Technical College set to open next year.
Rob’s work for the direct line between Reading and Heathrow began under the previous Transport Secretary, Philip Hammond. Since then he has relentlessly lobbied Ministers and Whitehall officials for funding for the project’s feasibility studies with a view to ultimately obtaining funding to make the project a reality. He also chaired the frequent meetings between officials, BAA, Network Rail, Heathrow Airport and First Great Western to keep the momentum going.
Today the Chancellor said of Rob and the campaign: "I would like to acknowledge and place on record my thanks to Rob Wilson MP for his enormous contribution in bringing this about. He has campaigned and lobbied tirelessly and made this a must-have project. I know he has been instrumental in bringing all interested parties together to help deliver western rail access.”
The Chancellor’s comments echo those of Transport Secretary Justine Greening on Thursday last week when she said: “Rob has done a brilliant job of making the case for Western rail access to Heathrow from the first day I was appointed Transport Secretary and I am delighted the Government has been able to give the go ahead to this scheme. It will benefit huge numbers of people travelling to our hub airport and I congratulate Rob on his successful campaign.”
Commenting on the Chancellor’s words, Rob said: “I am grateful to the Chancellor for his kind words and for signing off the money that has brought my campaign to this successful juncture. This strategic investment will help to cement Reading’s prosperous position. I am now eager for the next stage in the project to begin and - in the longer-term - for the extensive economic benefits to be felt that this infrastructure investment will bring Reading residents and businesses alike.”