Evening Standard: "Timebomb ticking in Thames Estuary could put Boris Island plans in jeopardy"

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"A wreck in the Thames Estuary laden with 7,000 tons of explosives may have to be moved or 'neutralised' if the Boris Island airport goes ahead, the Standard can reveal today.

"Transport minister Mike Penning is ordering a fresh look at how to ensure SS Richard Montgomery does not pose a danger to the massive scheme for four runways, which could be built on the edge of the Isle of Grain."

BBC: "HS2 rail alternatives no solution, MPs say"

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"Alternatives to the High Speed Two (HS2) rail link would not solve the capacity problems on Britain's railways, MPs say.

"A report by the Parliamentary Inquiry into Britain's rail capacity says only the high-speed rail network can create the extra capacity needed.

"The MPs found that alternatives, such as incremental upgrades to the existing network, would not be sufficient.

"Opponents of HS2 say the report looked at a 'limited' set of alternatives."

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Link to report (PDF)

Daily Telegraph: "David Cameron won't have time for High Speed Rail"

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"A notable absence in the Queen’s Speech today was the Government’s plans for High Speed Rail (HS2) – legislation hated by Right-wing campaign groups.

"... Steve Baker, a Tory member of the Transport Select Committee and opponent to HS2, said he always thought it would be introduced next year:

"Given that Labour supports the idea too, I don't think it matters if the detail isn't finished by the next election. It'll still pass whoever is in power."

Evening Standard: "Boris Johnson calls on Government to build a new airport for London"

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"Boris Johnson today called on the Government to build a new airport in the Thames Estuary and told David Cameron: 'This is a moment for greatness.'

"The Mayor appealed for 'bravery' and 'dynamism' from Downing Street ahead of a Government announcement on its aviation strategy.

"Mr Johnson said his favoured solution of a new hub airport in the Thames Estuary - dubbed Boris Island - would boost jobs and growth in London, the key aim for his second term."

"Crossrail’s first tunnel boring machine breaks ground at Royal Oak"

"Crossrail’s first giant tunnel boring machine (TBM), Phyllis, has broken ground at Royal Oak to construct the first section of tunnel between Royal Oak and Farringdon.

"Keith Sibley, Crossrail Area Director West said: 

"Tunnelling for Crossrail has now commenced. Phyllis is now beginning to slowly disappear below ground, and will steadily ramp up to the planned average tunnelling rate of around 100 metres a week."

"Following the official unveiling of 1,000 tonne Phyllis, Crossrail’s first tunnel boring machine travelled 400 metres to Royal Oak Portal, including under Hampden Street footbridge which was jacked up to allow the 7.1 metre diameter machine underneath."