Calman reforms could fund new bridge

3.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 18th Jun 2009

MP Willie Rennie and MSP Jim Tolson have praised the Calman Commission and claimed that the new powers it proposes for the Scottish Parliament could provide a mechanism to pay for the new Forth crossing.

The Lib Dem parliamentarians, who are disappointed that both the SNP and Labour Governments have failed to secure funding for Scotland's transport projects including the new bridge, are calling for a speedy introduction of the proposals especially the new capital borrowing powers.

'The Calman Commission has provided an answer to the dead end dispute between the Labour and SNP Governments,' said Willie Rennie, who recently led a debate in Westminster on the funding of the bridge.

'If a solution isn't found to the funding of the bridge and Scotland's other transport projects it could lead to great uncertainty in Fife's business community and commuters who need guarantees that the bridge will be built.'

Jim Tolson MSP said: 'The changes the Calman Commission proposes will provide the new powers the parliament needs to really deliver for Scotland.

'Capital borrowing powers could mean all the projects would go ahead including the new bridge. The SNP's stubborn refusal to use all the funding mechanisms available and their inability to reach a deal with Westminster has led us to this sorry mess. Maybe the sensible Calman Commission proposals, led by the Lib Dems, will save the day! '