Britain risks failing to take full advantage of the cross-channel "Chunnel" due to the Thatcher government's announcement yesterday that it would not help fund a high-speed rail line between London and the tunnel. This fuels fears that the country's creaky transportation system will isolate Britain. The British government announced plans for an undersea tunnel connecting England with France in order to ease congestion on Britain's roads and railways. The consortium formed to build the link asked the government for a financial contribution, which the government says involves "unacceptable" risks to the taxpayer. Industrialists fear poor links will isolate them from the European Community's single market.
Britain risks failing to take full advantage of the cross-channel "Chunnel" due to the Thatcher government's announcement yesterday that it would not help fund a high-speed rail line between London and the tunnel. This fuels fears that the country's creaky transportation system will isolate Britain. The lack of the high-speed rail link, and improved service beyond, means Britain may miss out on the tunnel's total benefits. The consortium formed to build the link asked the government for a financial contribution, which the government says involves "unacceptable" risks to the taxpayer. Industrialists fear poor links will isolate them from the European Community's single market.