Scottish Labour MP blasts UK Treasury over delayed reply about Scotland-Europe ferry route

A Scottish Labour MP has criticised the UK Treasury for taking an extended period to respond to his inquiry regarding a ferry route connecting Scotland and Europe. Graeme Downie expressed his disappointment at the delayed reply concerning a potential ferry service between Rosyth and Dunkirk. The MP for Dunfermline and Dollar had initially reached out to the Chancellor at the beginning of October but only received a response shortly before a debate in the House of Commons on Tuesday. Downie suspected that the impending debate prompted the reply from the Treasury.

Downie highlighted that DFDS Ferries aimed to operate the service from Fife to Europe starting in the spring of next year, contingent on a £3 million redevelopment of facilities at Rosyth. He advocated for allocating funds from the UK Government’s £5.8 million national wealth fund to support this initiative. The direct ferry link between Rosyth and Zeebrugge in Belgium had operated as both a passenger and freight service from 2002 to 2018, with the passenger service ending in 2010 and freight services being terminated by DFDS in 2018 following a ship fire.

During the House of Commons debate, Downie emphasised the importance of reinstating the ferry service, stating that a £3 million investment in Rosyth could facilitate the revival of regular passenger and freight services between Scotland and mainland Europe by spring 2025. He underscored the urgency of the situation, pointing out the minimal infrastructure upgrades required, such as improving access roads, enhancing security checks, and implementing power facilities.

Regarding the delayed response from the UK Treasury, Downie expressed his disappointment, particularly given the modest funding required and the timeline for realising the project by 2025. In response, Scottish whip Martin McCluskey offered his assistance in engaging with the national wealth fund and encouraged collaboration with the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland to advance the project. He urged Scottish Government officials to engage with Downie to delve into the proposals further and facilitate progress.

In conclusion, the call for the reinstatement of the Scotland-Europe ferry route highlights the potential economic and connectivity benefits that such a service could bring to the region. The cooperation between governmental bodies and stakeholders will be crucial in realising this project and enhancing transportation links between Scotland and Europe.

Insights and Summary:
The article addresses the frustration experienced by Scottish Labour MP Graeme Downie over the delayed response from the UK Treasury regarding a proposed ferry route between Scotland and Europe. Downie’s advocacy for reviving the ferry service highlights the potential economic opportunities and improved connectivity it could offer. The exchange in the House of Commons underscores the importance of cross-governmental collaboration to achieve infrastructural developments and bolster transportation networks. The story sheds light on the significance of efficient communication and swift action in advancing vital transport projects that could benefit both local communities and broader regions.