Local MPs combined yesterday (10 May) to press Transport Minister, Jo Johnson MP, in the House of Commons extend Crossrail from Abbey Wood to Ebbsfleet.

In the Adjournment Debate, which was secured by Dartford MP Gareth Johnson, other local MPs including Rt Hon David Evennett, MP for Bexleyheath and Crayford, Teresa Pearce, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, and Rt Hon Michael Fallon, MP for Sevenoaks, urged the Minister to look constructively at the benefits of extending Crossrail.

During his speech, Mr Evennett highlighted the existing poor rail links that South East London and North West Kent have, and spoke about the economic advantages an extension would bring. He commented: “We should jump at this opportunity, because I believe that without action, poor transport will continue to hold back our area in development, regeneration and improvement. We cannot accept that and I hope that the Minister takes that on board. It is so important to south-east London—as a Member in Bromley, he knows exactly the situation.

“We are going to be in post-Brexit Britain. We need to be proactive now more than ever on vital infrastructure projects, which will give us the cutting edge in our area to develop, go forward and achieve for our constituents and our country.”