Scottish Labour would build Glasgow Airport rail link

Scottish Labour would build a rail link with Glasgow Airport if it wins the next election, the party’s leader announced on Monday.

The project was considered in the early years of the SNP administration, but scrapped in 2009 – by then finance secretary John Swinney – as a result of pressures caused by the financial crash.

In the years since, the plans featured in designs for the Clyde Metro – an expansive transport project covering Glasgow and surrounding areas – which is at an early phase.

Scottish Labour said on Monday the creation of the link would be a “national priority”.

“For almost two decades, the SNP has wasted public money and kicked the can down the road on development of a Glasgow Airport rail link,” the party’s leader Anas Sarwar said.

“In doing so, they have not only squandered millions of pounds of taxpayers’ cash, they have squandered the economic opportunities that such a project could bring.

“Most modern cities across Europe have a rail link to their main airports, and it is bizarre that Glasgow should still not have one in 2026, despite plans having been discussed nearly 20 years ago.

“A Scottish Labour government under my leadership would back the development of a rail link once and for all, ending the delay and wasteful spending of the SNP.

“We would ensure that new transport projects are integrated into the existing system, as part of our wider plans to change communities in and around Glasgow.

““In just over two months’ time, the people of Scotland will have the opportunity to turn the page on decades of SNP failure and choose a new direction with Scottish Labour.”