Forum Brief: Crossrail project

Tony Blair came the closest the government has yet come to giving the green light to Crossrail.

The prime minister said on Tuesday that he did not think there was any question of not proceeding with the £10 billion London transport project.

Government Response: Department for Transport

A Department for Transport spokesman said: "We are of course aware of people's desire to see the project go ahead. We're committed to it in principle, however we need to resolve how to meet the very substantial costs of building it.

"We currently have the Montague report and will publish his findings in due course."

Forum Response: Institute of Directors

James Walsh, parliamentary and European adviser at the Institute of Directors, said: "Crossrail needs to be seen as part of a genuinely integrated transport strategy. For example, widespread road pricing would help to deliver some of the revenue needed for these major investments.

"The government should also look to capitalise on the windfall land price gains. The Canary Wharf developers contributed £300 million towards the Jubilee Line extension. The same approach could be used with Crossrail.

"The private sector certainly has a role on the finance side. But the most important requirement is a sense of urgency. This is where politicians must start to give a stronger lead."

Forum Response: Transport and Salaried Staffs Association