A proposed rail link between Reading and Heathrow Airport has been described as essential to ending the “ridiculous” journeys currently faced by travellers from Berkshire, South Wales and the South West. The long-discussed project, which would include a stop in Slough, was placed on hold indefinitely in 2020 but is once again being urged forward amid renewed debate over Heathrow’s expansion plans.
Slough’s Labour MP Tan Dhesi said the lack of a direct connection between the west of England and the UK’s busiest airport “made no sense”. He argued that thousands of people currently have to make long, inefficient journeys just to reach Heathrow. “We have got people coming from Wales and the South West [to go to Heathrow],” he said. “They are having to get off either at Reading [to change at the town’s train station] or then catch a coach or a bus to travel to Heathrow. It’s absolutely ridiculous. It’s not effective, it’s not efficient and it’s not environmentally friendly. This would benefit not just my Slough constituents but 20% of the UK population.”
The airport, which unveiled a £49bn expansion and modernisation plan in the summer, has received government backing for a potential third runway. Heathrow’s leadership said the site was already operating at capacity “to the detriment of trade and connectivity” and that expansion was “urgent”.
Dexter Smith, Slough Borough Council’s Conservative leader, also supported calls for a new rail link to be tied to the expansion plans. “It’s not just a third runway. This is an increase in the size of Heathrow Airport of 50%,” he said. “The government should grab it by the horns and make it a condition that if the airport expansion goes ahead there should be a western rail connection as well.”
A Heathrow spokesperson said the airport was “proud” to promote sustainable travel, noting that 45% of journeys to and from the airport are already made by train, bus or tube. “We remain committed to making journeys to Heathrow easier and more sustainable,” the spokesperson added. “That’s why we’re continuing to explore options for a new rail link from the west, which would offer faster, direct connections from the West of England and South Wales to the airport. We’re pleased to be part of the national conversation on future transport plans and will keep working with our partners to improve rail connections that support local communities and help the UK grow.”
