Julian Brazil's Campaign Update 1

Yesterday Julian Brazil met with Paddy Ashdown in South Brent to campaign for the re-opening of the local railway station. Since the 1960s successive governments have failed to support Britain's railway system. The Liberal Democrats believe that a rejuvenated railway system will be vital to Britain's future economy in an era of rising fuel costs and concerns over climate change.

Julian Brazil and Paddy Ashdown agree on the need for rural areas to have a sustainable and affordable local transport system, and that the re-opening of selected railway stations is a crucial step towards achieving this goal. The people of South Brent were out in force this morning to show their support for re-opening their local station by signing a petition. The local media were also in attendance to hear Paddy Ashdown speak eloquently on the need for rural areas to be connected to the national rail system in order to support local economies and to give local people the opportunity to enjoy reliable and regular public transport.

Labour and the Conservatives may have acknowledged the need for high-speed rail, but they have given no indication that they would make the most of this new high-speed service by re-opening local lines and stations. The Liberal Democrats support the building of high-speed rail lines, but feel that it would be a wasted opportunity if these lines were not linked to local communities. Public transport systems are only as good as their weakest link, and unfortunately here in the South Hams we have many weak links. Julian Brazil advocates a holistic approach to public transport, linking local communities with major hubs, not just servicing the most populous areas.

A vote for Julian Brazil is a vote for sustainable local public transport.