MP Geoffrey Cox criticises Labour's cancellation of Tavistock rail link

Torridge and Tavistock’s MP, Rt Hon Sir Geoffrey Cox KC, has expressed his profound disappointment following the Labour government's decision to cancel the reconnection of Tavistock to the rail network.

Last year, the Conservative government, as part of its “Restoring Your Railway” programme, announced the approval and funding for the new rail link. However, on Wednesday, July 31, Sir Geoffrey received a letter from Lord Hendy, a Transport Minister, informing him that Labour was terminating the project.

The initial expenditure for the project was modest, covering only the development of a technical and business plan. This plan was intended to analyse the economic value, technical issues, and costs of restoring the line, with construction not set to begin for several years.

Sir Geoffrey expressed his dismay, stating: “The ‘Restoring Your Railway’ Scheme was chiefly designed to bring economic growth and opportunity to mainly rural areas deprived of any link to the rail network. I am dismayed and disappointed the Labour government has chosen to cancel this important project that would have brought vital economic growth to West Devon’s communities and would have built on the success of the reopening of the Dartmoor Line between Okehampton and Exeter.”

He said that the green light for the rail link, which has now been withdrawn by Labour, was the result of years of hard work and careful planning by Devon County and West Devon Borough Councils, alongside the dedication of campaigners like Tavi-Rail. These efforts had made a compelling economic and social case for the restored railway.

“This political choice by the government is a betrayal of West Devon’s communities,” Sir Geoffrey added. “Throughout the 13 years under Labour up to 2010, we saw the neglect of the rural South West, which missed out on any substantial investment while other areas such as Cornwall received massive government support. Now, we are beginning to see exactly the same pattern again.”