Cambridge MP Daniel Zeichner has called Parliament’s prorogation “unfair on constituents“ and an “unwelcome distraction“ as he continues to stick up for Cambridge residents while working on the proposed plans for East West Rail ahead of a conference on the Cambridge – Oxford corridor tomorrow.

The Government have proposed both a railway running from Oxford to Cambridge (East West Rail) and an Expressway road along a similar route. Daniel Zeichner MP has long championed the railway, but has condemned the proposed Expressway as “a 1990s solution to a modern problem“.

Mr Zeichner comments:

“The Government seems to have forgotten that beyond the Conservative party’s navel-gazing and Brexit shambles, there are huge decisions that need to be made about the future of our country, and infrastructure that could provide connectivity, jobs and homes. I think the plans for East West Rail and better public transport links through the region could be excellent, and I intend to fight for more detail on the railway plans – it should be environmentally sound, have capacity for freight to reduce emissions and be a real public service. However, I don’t see the logic in building a major new motorway when we should be advocating public transport use, and concentrating on improving services. Yes, we should make road improvements where necessary, but I think we should scrap the Expressway.“

“Boris Johnson’s decision to shut down Parliament for five weeks has huge implications beyond Brexit – Cambridge residents deserve to have their MP in Westminster, voicing their concerns on all kinds of issues, such as the environment. I want to represent their environmental concerns regarding the Expressway proposals, and scrutinise this process – but the Prime Minister isn’t letting this happen.“

“Tomorrow I’m attending a conference in which I’ll present Cambridge’s point of view – of course we want better transport services and more affordable, good quality housing in the region, alongside the jobs this project will unlock – but we need to scrutinise how its done and make sure it’s truly a project for the public good with the environment in mind, and is not just for private profit.“