Diane Abbott MP, Labour MP for Hackey North and Stoke Newington

I am very supportive of the Crossrail proposal. It is a vital part of London’s future, not only for business but for all communities. Hackney has long been without tube connections to the rest of the city, but with Crossrail connecting to the new East London line, some of London’s more deprived communities will soon be able to access fairly the jobs and opportunities this and other projects will provide.

Jennette Arnold AM, Lab, North East 

Crossrail is a vital national infrastructure project. It is needed to maintain the UK's competitiveness and to ensure jobs do not go abroad. It will also regenerate some of the most deprived parts of London. Crossrail will improve the journey times of residents and workers in the boroughs I represent - Hackney, Islington and Waltham Forest - to and from Heathrow and the West End.

John Austin MP, Labour MP for Erith & Thamesmead, and Secretary of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Crossrail

Crossrail is essential if London is to remain a world class city making a major contribution to Britain’s overall economic success. It will also be the single most important factor in securing the re-generation of south east London, the creation of thousands of jobs and prosperity for one of the most deprived areas in the country and will improve the quality of life for Londoners and tourists alike travelling around our great capital city.

Richard Barnes AM,  Deputy Mayor & Conservative AM for Ealing & Hillingdon,  

Crossrail is essential for sus & taining the west London economy and the integrated regeneration of London. The economies of the west and east are inter-dependant and Crossrail will be the golden chain that holds them together.

John Baron MP, Shadow Minister for Health and Conservative MP for Billericay

I back the principle of Crossrail.

Lord Bassam of Brighton, Labour, Govt Spokesperson

Crossrail will provide a new fleet of trains, operating a peak service in both directions through central London of 24 trains an hour, carrying an estimated 200 million passengers a year. Crossrail has a strong transport economic case and, in addition, we estimate that it will generate cash benefits to United Kingdom GDP of at least £20 billion. Crossrail will significantly increase the capacity of the rail network into and across London, thereby relieving congestion and overcrowding on the existing national rail and Underground networks while, at the same time, supporting economic development and regeneration. Crossrail is expected to attract some 80,000 additional jobs to regeneration areas.

Hugh Bayley MP, Labour MP for City of York

Crossrail will show the world, the world-beating quality of British railway engineering.

Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, Labour MP for Leeds Central and Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Crossrail [will] bring huge benefits to London.

Lord Berkeley, Labour

I very much welcome the Crossrail project. It is certainly good for London and it is good for the surrounding area served.

John Biggs AM, Lab, City & East and Deputy Chairman of London Thames Gateway Development Corporation

Crossrail is a vital national infrastructure project. It is needed to maintain the UK's competitiveness and to ensure jobs do not go abroad. It is also needed to relieve congestion on London’s other railways and to provide another alternative to road travel in London It will also help regenerate deprived parts of London like Whitechapel, facilitate house-building elsewhere in East London and improve the journey times of residents and workers in the area I represent, the City & East, to and from Heathrow and the West End.

Rt Hon Tony Blair, former Labour MP for Sedgefield and former Prime Minister

Crossrail is an important project for London and for the whole of the UK. It will provide crucial transport capacity for London and create access to jobs and opportunities for people living in one of the capital’s most deprived areas. It will also play a vital role in maintaining London’s world city status which in turn brings wealth and prosperity to the whole country.

Rt Hon Hazel Blears MP, Labour MP for Salford and Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government

Crossrail is vital to the UK's economy. I believe this important project will be a tangible example of the way this Labour Government is renewing the infrastructure of the UK.

Lord Bradshaw, Liberal Democrat

The sooner it is got on with the better... we welcome the Bill and want Crossrail.

Tom Brake MP, Liberal Democrat MP for Carshalton and Wallington and former Shadow Secretary of State for Transport

As an initiative, Crossrail has received all-party support in the House. The project is viewed as vital not only by business, the Mayor and my party but by Sir Rod Eddington, who was appointed by the Government to conduct a review of the UK’s transport infrastructure and priorities.

Cllr Sean Brennan, Leader, Lib Dem, London Borough of Sutton

I am pleased to add my support to the growing campaign and urgency for the construction of Crossrail. We have long campaigned for improved public transport in London to alleviate the problems of congestion in the capital.

James  Brokenshire MP, Conservative MP for Hornchurch

If London is to remain as a world business centre it needs a world-class transport network. Crossrail is an essential part of this requirement. In the heart of the capital we have some of the most over-crowded tube trains and congested roads. Crossrail will ease this burden and make a significant contribution to the increasingly important environmental need of promoting greater use of public transport.

Lord Brooke of Sutton Mandeville, Conservative, Former Conservative MP for Cities of London & Westminster

Crossrail, which joins up with the East London Line at Whitechapel, will reduce the time from Ealing Broadway to Liverpool Street from almost 40 minutes to 20, and from Heathrow to Canary Wharf from 70 minutes to just over 40. Those are real gains in productivity.

Lord Brougham and Vaux, Conservative

There is an urgent need for extra capacity within the system. Crossrail will meet that need by increasing the number of trains, improving the quality of service and reducing overcrowding, particularly on the Underground.  The benefits of Crossrail ... will be felt much more widely. It will enable the growth of new communities in the Thames Gateway. It will create jobs and help businesses in central London and elsewhere to employ more people and will help secure London's position as a global city. ... The benefits of Crossrail will be felt nationwide

Lyn Brown MP, Labour MP for West Ham and PPS to Rt Hon John Denham MP, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills

I enthusiastically support Crossrail which will bring enormous benefits to London as a whole, and especially to some of the most deprived areas of East London. This massive investment in our transport infrastructure will help maintain London’s position as the greatest city in the world in which to live and do business.

Karen Buck MP, Labour MP for Regent's Park & Kensington North

Crossrail is a vitally important project for London and its benefits will be felt not just locally but nationally. This is a key and indeed overdue improvement to the UKs transport infrastructure. I fully support the campaign for Crossrail.

Mayor Sir Steve Bullock, Labour, London Borough of Lewisham

Crossrail is a vital national infrastructure project. It is needed to maintain the UK's competitiveness and to ensure jobs do not go abroad. It will also regenerate deprived parts of London such as Whitechapel and help improve the quality of life for the residents of Lewisham.

David Burrowes MP, Conservative MP for Enfield Southgate

Crossrail will be the most important transport project in the UK for a generation - relieving transport congestion and ensuring that London and the UK remain competitive with the rest of the World. In addition my constituents will gain hugely from quicker journey times and increased capacity.

Dawn Butler MP, Labour MP for Brent South

Crossrail will bring tremendous benefits to London and connect a part of London which has been unfairly disconnected for years. Economic sustainability is achievable by accessing good jobs. As a London MP I am happy to add my support. London 2012 must look very differently to what it does now. This is a part of our sustainable legacy.

Dr Vincent Cable MP, Lib Dem MP for Twickenham and Lib Dem Shadow Chancellor

Crossrail would be a useful addition to London's inadequate and overcrowded public transport system. I look forward to it being integrated as soon as possible with the suburban rail and underground network of South West London.

Rt Hon Sir Menzies Campbell MP, Lib Dem MP for North East Fife and former Liberal Democrat Leader

Crossrail will play a vital role in the UK economy, keeping London competitive and securing jobs. Regenerating deprived parts of London, Crossrail will improve the quality of life for Londoners, business visitors and tourists alike travelling around the capital.

Alistair Carmichael MP, Lib Dem MP for Orkney & Shetland and former Lib Dem Shadow Secretary of State for Transport

This is a vital infrastructure project and I am very keen to see it progress. A lot of jobs and local economies are reliant on its success.

Cllr Stephen Carr, Leader, Conservative, London Borough of Bromley

Many of Bromley's residents work in the City and Canary Wharf and an improved transport infrastructure is important for them to ease their daily commute. Building a new rail link between east and west London is also vital not only to the future growth of the capital but to maintain its competitive edge as a world-class city.

Paul Clark MP, Labour MP for Gillingham & Rainham and PPS to Rt Hon Ed Balls MP, Secretary of State for Schools

Crossrail will bring huge economic, social and regenerative benefits, not only to London, but also to my constituents in North Kent, and to the whole country.

Cllr Ian Clement, Deputy Mayor, Government Relations & Leader, Conservative, London Borough of Bexley

Crossrail is a vital national infrastructure project. It is needed to maintain the UK's competitiveness and to ensure jobs do not go abroad. It will also regenerate deprived parts of London such as Whitechapel and help improve the quality of life for the residents of Bexley.

Cllr Merrick Cockell, Leader, Conservative, Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea and Chairman of London Councils

Crossrail is vital for the UK economy to keep London competitive and ensure jobs do not go abroad. It will also regenerate London and improve the quality of life for both Londoners, business visitors and tourists alike travelling around the capital.

Harry Cohen MP, Labour MP for Leyton & Wanstead

London must have a vital upgrade to its rail infrastructure. It must have Crossrail. Its economic importance is huge, and in this regard what's good for London is good for the whole country. The East-West link up facilitates development, business and swifter, more convenient passenger travel. The monetary and environmental benefit of all this is also huge. Crossrail is crucial.

Derek Conway MP, Conservative MP for Old Bexley & Sidcup

Crossrail is a vital national infrastructure project. It is needed to maintain London and therefore the UK's competitiveness and to ensure jobs do not go abroad. It will also regenerate deprived parts of London like Whitechapel and help improve the quality of life of Londoners generally such as my constitutents in Old Bexley & Sidcup.

Jeremy Corbyn MP, Labour MP for Islington North

The Crossrail project is essential to create the railway link the Victorians failed to bring into being. It will complete the railway network so essential for Londoners. I welcome this project as potentially providing a high quality, high speed link, mostly underground, connecting east and west.

Jon Cruddas MP, Labour MP for Dagenham

Crossrail is vital for investment in my constituency and across London.

Rt Hon Alistair Darling MP, Labour MP for Edinburgh South West and Chancellor of the Exchequer

Crossrail is key to the long term development of London and the UK and I welcome the fact that everyone has worked together to achieve this. We are able to afford this investment on the foundation of a strong economy.

Andrew Dismore MP, Labour MP for Hendon

Crossrail is a vitally important project both for London and the UK. Crossrail and the Thameslink upgrade are exactly the sort of transport links London needs if it is to remain a world class city.

Rt Hon Frank Dobson MP, Labour MP for Holborn and St Pancras

The Crossrail Project has always had my strong support. It will be a great boon both to Londoners and people who visit London whether for business or pleasure. The sooner it gets built the better.

Dee Doocey AM, , Lib Dem, Londonwide

Since the UK's economic engine is London, it is the UK that needs Crossrail. The financial centres of the City and Docklands must have an efficient link to Heathrow. Crossrail will of course also benefit Londoners and regenerate depressed areas like Whitechapel. It will help workers at Heathrow and in the West End. However the critical issue is a national one - jobs must not go abroad.

Jim Dowd MP, Labour MP for Lewisham West

I have always supported Crossrail and see it as an absolutely vital development for London, and particular its economy and efficiency. Its connection at Whitechapel with the extended East London Line will allow people in my constituency to connect to a range of destinations across London without having to go into London and out again.

Rt Hon Iain Duncan Smith MP, Former Leader of HM Opposition & Conservative MP for Chingford & Woodford Green

Crossrail will cut down travel times across London significantly. Crossrail will be a much needed asset for London and is long overdue!

Len Duvall AM, Lab, Greenwich and Lewisham

Crossrail is a vital national infrastructure project. It is needed to maintain the UK's competitiveness and to ensure jobs do not go abroad. It will also regenerate deprived parts of East London and improve the journey times of residents and workers in the area I represent, Greenwich and Lewisham to and from Heathrow and the West End.

Clive Efford MP, Labour MP for Eltham

Crossrail reaches parts of London that people in my part find it difficult to reach.

Roger Evans AM, Con, Havering and Redbridge

Crossrail is a vital national infrastructure project. It is needed to maintain the UK's competitiveness and to ensure jobs do not go abroad. It will also regenerate deprived parts of London like Whitechapel and improve the journey times of London residents and workers to and from Heathrow and the West End.

David Evennett MP, Conservative MP for Bexleyheath & Crayford

I support the exciting Crossrail project as it will bring enormous economic benefits to London and the South East. I still believe there should be a station in our locality, but hope the project will proceed with all possible speed.

Cllr Charles Fairbrass, Leader, Labour, London Borough of Barking and Dagenham

Crossrail will help unlock further employment opportunities for the residents of this Borough.

Lord Faulkner of Worcester, Labour

It is a great pleasure for me ... to give the Bill my full support. It is not everyday that legislation comes before your Lordships' House to build a new railway, and it is a measure of the nation's growing confidence in rail as a means of transport that Crossrail enjoys such widespread support in all political parties, on all Benches, among the business community and with local government in London.

Lynne Featherstone MP, Lib Dem MP for Hornsey and Wood Green and London spokesperson

Crossrail….is vital both to the capital and the country's economy. The case for Crossrail could not be stronger – [any] delay will threaten the future of the City and Canary Wharf as the world's leading financial centre.

Mark Field MP, Conservative MP for the Cities of London & Westminster and Shadow Minister for Culture

Crossrail is a project of enormous importance for London and the UK. We must …[though] minimise the blight for those on route – particularly in the key central tunnel area in my constituency – and…ensure that its...construction will involve minimal disruption to London's residents.

Cllr Mike Fisher, Leader, Conservative, London Borough of Croydon

Crossrail will make a critical and long overdue contribution to alleviating rail passenger congestion in Central London. Many Croydon residents and businesses will benefit provided the funding is found to progress the scheme alongside complementary improvements to South London's public transport infrastructure.

Jim Fitzpatrick MP, Labour MP for Poplar & Canning Town and Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Department for Transport

The Government has long been committed to Crossrail which will bring enormous benefits not just to London, but to the South East and the rest of the United Kingdom. This will be the biggest single railway development since Victorian times and the project will deliver the transport system that is fit for our capital in the 21st century.

Cllr Mike Freer, Leader, Conservative, London Borough of Barnet

Investment in London's transport infrastructure is vital to the UK economy. Completion of the major improvements to the A406, the Thameslink upgrade and Crossrail are all necessary if London is to continue to prosper.

Mike Gapes MP, Labour MP for Ilford South and Chair of All Party Parliamentary Group on Crossrail

The All Party Parliamentary Group on Crossrail consists of MPs and Peers whose purpose is "to promote the successful completion of the Crossrail project and other related matters". Crossrail is vital to safeguard the future competitiveness of the UK economy, the development of London, and the regeneration of many areas in and around our Capital city.

Barry Gardiner MP, Labour MP for Brent North and the Prime Minister's Special Representative on Forestry

Crossrail is a vital national infrastructure project. It is needed to maintain the UK’s competitiveness and to promote new jobs for London. It will also regenerate deprived parts of London and help improve the quality for Londoners generally. My constituents in Brent North will all benefit from the economic boost Crossrail will bring to London as a whole.

Nicky Gavron AM, Lab, Londonwide

Crossrail will contribute hugely to....to make London an exemplary sustainable world city.

Neil Gerrard MP, Labour member for Walthamstow

Crossrail is one of the most important infrastructure projects in the country. It will cut journey times across London, but will also bring enormous development opportunities and economic benefits. I strongly support Crossrail.

Earl of Glasgow, Libeal Democrat Transport Spokesperson

Crossrail is a one-off. It is almost entirely devoted to relieving congestion in London and in particular to bringing travelling relief to many, many commuters. We all applaud that and accept it as a very worthwhile objective...

Julia Goldsworthy MP, Lib Dem MP for Falmouth & Camborne and Shadow Lib Dem Chief Secretary to the Treasury

Crossrail will bring many benefits, not only by making it quicker and easier to travel in the capital, but also by aiding the regeneration of deprived areas, securing more jobs and ensuring the city remains competitive.

Cllr Stephen  Greenhalgh, Conservative Leader, London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham

Hammersmith & Fulham Council is fully supportive of Crossrail which is vital to the future wellbeing of the London economy.

Rt Hon Peter Hain MP, Labour MP for Neath and former Secretary of State for Work and Pensions; and Secretary of State for Wales

I want to see Crossrail … go-ahead... Increasing rail capacity is the number one priority if Labour is to 'take pain out of commuting'.

Stephen Hammond MP, Conservative MP for Wimbledon and Shadow Rail Minister

The Conservative party's position has been clear throughout the [Crossrail] Bill's parliamentary stages. It was stated initially by my hon Friend the Member for Epsom and Ewell (Chris Grayling MP), and it has also been stated by the Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, my hon. Friend the Member for Chipping Barnet (Ms Villiers MP), and myself, on numerous occasions in this House and other places. We have always supported Crossrail in principle….

Greg Hands MP, Conservative MP for Hammersmith & Fulham and Member of Select Committee for Communities and Local Government

It's vital to get London moving again. While Crossrail won't go through my constituency, it will, I believe relieve a lot of pressure on West - East commuter routes, by both road and rail. Public transport infrastructure is not something we in Britain have been good at for many decades, but Crossrail provides a good chance to show the world that we can deliver on these projects.

Lord Hanningfield, Conservative Opposition Spokesperson

The case for Crossrail is clear. I do not dispute that, and we support the construction of Crossrail. ... Crossrail could be the 'heart bypass' for the region... In summary, Crossrail has the potential to supply a much-needed capacity to a rail and transport network that is deserving of upgrade. I support the Bill and look forward to seeing its improvement following its passage through this House.

Rt Hon Harriet Harman QC MP, Labour MP for Camberwell & Peckham, Leader of the House of Commons; Minister for Women; and Labour Party Chair

Crossrail will bring vital transport links to inner city areas that deserve to be at the heart of an urban network. I fully back the Campaign for Crossrail.

Tom Harris MP, Labour MP for Glasgow South and Crossrail Minister

The Government is fully committed to the Crossrail scheme, which will bring massive long-term benefits. Crossrail is a project that will benefit not only London but the country as a whole. It will provide strategic interchanges for local, national and international rail passengers and add £20bn to the UK's wealth. It will help regenerate priority areas like the Isle of Dogs and Stratford, and will help create an estimated 30,000 jobs in central London within 20 years.

John Hayes MP, Conservative MP for South Holland & The Deepings and Shadow Transport Minister, May - December 2005

This project will add a net £14bn to the UK economy….Crossrail will benefit people and businesses all over Britain.

Rt Hon Keith Hill MP, Labour MP for Streatham and former PPS to Rt Hon Tony Blair MP, Prime Minister

Crossrail is an idea whose time has come. Every level of government now needs to work with business in London to realise this project, which will benefit not only Londoners but the UK economy as a whole.

Meg Hillier MP, Labour MP for Hackney South & Shoreditch

Crossrail will bring great benefits to Hackney by increasing the number of trains coming out of Liverpool Street. As a wider London project it will connect the East end more firmly to the West end. It will provide a vital additional transport link.

Rt Hon Margaret Hodge MBE MP, Labour MP for Barking and Minister of State, Department for Culture, Media & Sport

Good transport links are essential for the continued development of Barking and London as a whole. My priorities are the planned DLR extension to Barking Reach and Crossrail.

Kate Hoey MP, Labour MP for Vauxhall

I strongly support Crossrail. The infrastructure and economic benefits that it will bring will boost the entire city, which is good news for all Londoners, including my constituents.

John Horam MP, Conservative MP for Orpington

The transport infrastructure of London needs a great deal of improvement if we are to remain the world-class city that we have become. Crossrail will bring a big improvement in a vital area.

Simon Hughes MP, Lib Dem MP for North Southwark & Bermondsey & Shadow Leader of the House of Commons

Crossrail will make a capital contribution to Britain's railway infrastructure. The logic is overwhelming. Sooner or later it is going to happen. The sooner Crossrail gets the green light the sooner UK PLC will gain the benefit.

Nick Hurd MP, Conservative MP for Ruislip Northwood and Opposition Assistant Chief Whip

We need Crossrail at the earliest opportunity.

Glenda Jackson MP, Labour MP for Hampstead and Highgate

Good public transport links are vital for a sustainable economy and London is the engine room for U.K plc. So Crossrail is a resource which will benefit the national economy along with the environment and the quality of life for many commuters.

Lord Jenkin of Roding, Conservative

I join others in welcoming the Bill but, as many have said, it is long overdue.

Darren Johnson AM, Green, Londonwide

Crossrail is not just a local scheme for Londoners. It is a vital piece of our national public transport network….Central Government has a national responsibility to deliver on Crossrail.

Rt Hon Alan Johnson MP, Labour MP for Hull West & Hessle, and Secretary of State for Health

Investment in transport infrastructure is a priority for Labour. Crossrail is a project of national importance and will help ensure London retains its role as the world’s leading financial centre. I support Crossrail and other proposals across the UK that support sustainable growth and prosperity.

Boris Johnson MP, Mayor of London and Conservative MP for Henley on Thames

We must build Crossrail....It will be a priority for my administration as Mayor.

Lord Digby Jones, Minister of State for Trade, (joint Foreign & Commonwealth Office and Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform Minister)

We must have better transport infrastructure in the South East and that's a big challenge. Whether it's the Heathrow expansion or Crossrail in London, we need it.

Cllr Denise Jones, Leader, Labour, London Borough of Tower Hamlets

Tower Hamlets Council is supportive in principle of the Crossrail project - which we believe will help to bring a vital economic boost to the borough but we have always maintained that this support does not come at any cost. Our priority is to local people. We want to minimise the disruption and maximise the benefits for local people in Tower Hamlets. By working with the local community and providing technical support to our Crossrail team at the council we have achieved significant gains which will lessen the impact of the construction of the scheme. The benefits of that cannot be underestimated.

Jenny Jones AM, Green Party, Londonwide and Leader of the Green Group on London Assembly

Crossrail is one of many projects that I should like to see implemented to build a better public transport system for London and for Londoners.

Rt Hon Tessa Jowell MP, Labour MP for Dulwich & West Norwood, and Minister of State, Cabinet Office, responsible for the Olympics and the South East

As a London MP I am very aware of the benefits that Crossrail will bring in facilitating access to jobs and leisure opportunities by improving the transport infrastructure. It will help cement London’s status as a great world city and a premier destination for business and tourists alike.

Cllr Andrew Judge, Leader, Labour Group, London Borough of Merton

Crossrail will be of immense benefit to London: simplifying and yet transforming our transport capability. This will be a 21st century system for a world city and should attract all our support. I cannot imagine why Merton's Conservative leader opposes it!

Alan Keen MP, Labour MP for Feltham & Heston and Member of the Member, Culture, Media & Sport Select Committee

I strongly support Crossrail which is a vital contribution to the economic future of London.

Rt Hon Ruth Kelly MP, Labour MP for Bolton West and Secretary of State for Transport

Incredible work [went] into securing a Crossrail funding deal that has eluded all previous Governments. [Crossrail] will give a lasting transport legacy to London for centuries to come.

Cllr James Kempton, Leader, Lib Dem, London Borough of Islington

Crossrail will serve Farringdon station in Islington, and provide a vital new interchange with Thameslink. Farringdon is not only one of the most economically dynamic areas of London, it is also one of the most socially deprived that's why I'm delighted to work with my colleagues across London to support Crossrail.

Sadiq Khan MP, Labour MP for Tooting and Assistant Whip, HM Treasury

The Crossrail project will provide a significant boost to the economy not only in London, but also nationwide. I wholeheartedly support this development, which will make an essential contribution towards the regeneration of the capital and be of great benefit to residents, commuters and tourists alike.

Mrs Jacqui Lait MP, Conservative MP for Beckenham and Shadow Minister for London

I support the principle of Crossrail and welcome the information from the Select Committee.

David Lammy MP, Labour MP for Tottenham and Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills

Crossrail is central to the development of London's economy and one of the key transport priorities of the next decade. It needs to be up and running by 2015 at the latest if we are to maintain London and the UK's competitiveness. I am sure the construction sector will be able to plan and expand to be able build both Crossrail and the infrastructure needed for the 2012 Olympics.

John Leech MP, Lib Dem MP for Manchester Withington and Lib Dem Shadow Transport Minister

Crossrail has an integral role to play in the future of public transport for London and I would like to see it progress as soon as possible.

Alderman and Sheriff David Lewis, Lord Mayor of London, City of London

In a globalised world, the UK’s transport infrastructure is essential to continue to attract international business to the UK and to keep the UK competitive. Crossrail will significantly improve the links from the City of London, Canary Wharf and Heathrow and we need it open by the middle of the next decade at the latest.  Our infrastructure - as we all know - needs improving: the massive spending on the Tube - disruptive as it can be - is essential. We also must have Crossrail. Congratulations to the Mayor - working with the City and others - on his strenuous and continuing campaign to achieve this

Manny Lewis, Chief Executive, London Development Agency (LDA)

Crossrail is vital for the UK economy to keep London competitive and ensure jobs do not go abroad. It is essential to the vitality of London's business community and will help regenerate deprived parts of London and improve the quality of life for both Londoners and visitors.

Martin Linton MP, Labour MP for Battersea and PPS to Rt Hon Lord Falconer of Thoroton, Secretary of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs

Crossrail is hugely important for the UK economy as London's transport improvements benefit more than just the commuters living or working in the capital. Crossrail phase two will link up with Clapham Junction and help to regenerate areas of South London that have traditionally been poorly served by links. Phase one will begin the regeneration and help ensure that employment growth continues in London.

Cllr Edward Lister, Leader, Conservative, London Borough of Wandsworth

Wandsworth is happy to support the campaign for Crossrail which is needed to relieve London's over-stretched public transport network. At the same time we would urge Ministers not to neglect the huge investment needs of south London's rail infrastructure - in particular the long-overdue modernisation of Clapham Junction which occupies a strategic position at the heart of the capital's rail network.

Ken Livingstone, Former Mayor of London

Crossrail is not just a transport scheme it is the key to the next 20 years of economic development of London. Crossrail will provide the transport underpinning for the greatest centres of Londons business the City, Canary Wharf and the West End as well as linking these areas of high jobs growth to the areas of greatest deprivation in east London and opening up the areas of new housing development in the Thames Gateway. Crossrail, like all good ideas, is simple. It gives the financial centres of London, the City and Canary Wharf, a single transport platform, links this to Heathrow, provides massive new transport capacity in the West End, and opens up the connection to the areas of housing development in the Thames Gateway. It passes through most of the areas of highest job growth in London. The station at Whitechapel provides a junction to the East London Line which passes through the areas of London's greatest deprivation.

Cllr Clyde Loakes, Leader, Labour, London Borough of Waltham Forest

In addition to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Crossrail will be a huge factor in delivering the regeneration of East London. Investment in London's transport infrastructure is essential for the UK economy and connecting the east end of London to the west end will bring huge economic benefits, employment and development opportunities to the people of Waltham Forest and across the capital.

Cllr Paul Lorber, Leader, Lib Dem, London Borough of Brent

Crossrail is a vital national infrastructure project. It is needed to maintain the UK's competitiveness and it is essential that benefits are also gained by residents of boroughs such as Brent which will not be directly served by the proposed route. It is important that better orbital links are provided to Crossrail stations in West London to achieve this.

Cllr Serge Lourie, Leader, Liberal Democrat, London Borough of Richmond upon Thames

Crossrail is an important strategic link in London's Transport infrastructure and will aid the growth of the capital as a world class city. It is essential to ensure the long term success of London and will provide a very important connection across the City. I wholeheartedly give my support to this scheme.

Andy Love MP, Labour MP for Edmonton and Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Small Business Group

Crossrail is an important project for London and for the whole of the UK economy. It will provide crucial transport capacity for London and will help create small businesses and therefore jobs and opportunities for people living in some of the capital’s most deprived areas - particularly North London where I represent.

Lord Luke, Conservative, Spokesperson on Culture, Media and Sport

We need Crossrail very much and we need it up and running as soon as possible... It will be important in developing the Olympic legacy and bringing business to the East End.

The Earl of Mar and Kellie, Liberal Democrat

The Crossrail project will benefit all those who live and work in London and those who visit London. It is not just a London project but people from Scotland will benefit in the future, whether as sovereign neighbours or as junior partners, as they interact with London, undoubtedly a world city.

Lord Marshall of Knightsbridge, Crossbencher, Former Chair of British Airways and current Chair of Nomura International plc and of the Governors by Birkbeck College, University of London

The international competitive nature of UK financial services has provided distinct advantages in an increasingly globalised market place. However, there is no case for resting on laurels. We need to be vigilant if we are to hold on to London's pre-eminence at a time when world financial markets are changing in structure, regulation and reputation. Dubai is setting out its stall as a financial centre for Arab wealth and, very recently, Saudi Arabia announced plans to develop a major financial centre in Riyadh. We therefore need to act speedily and effectively on key issues which have already been outlined by previous speakers. We need to act especially on transport Crossrail and on skills and training.

Joanne McCartney AM, Lab, Enfield & Haringey

I am fully supportive of the Campaign for Crossrail, not just for London but for the benefits that it will bring to the Country as a whole.

Siobhain McDonagh MP, Labour MP for Mitcham and Morden and Assistant Whip, HM Treasury

My constituency needs a good transport system in order to boost our local economy, and I hope the Crossrail scheme proves a cost-effective way of achieving this. If it does, my constituents will be very grateful.

John McDonnell MP, Labour MP for Hayes & Harlington and former Labour Leader Candidate

Crossrail offers immense economic and environmental benefits for West London, our capital city and the country overall. The more traffic we can put onto rail the greater chance we have of achieving our climate change targets and the more we can improve public transport links to West London the greater the economic and employment opportunities. Crossrail is key to this strategy.

Tony McNulty MP, Labour MP for Harrow East and Home Office Minister for Security, Counter-terrorism, Crime and Policing

Crossrail is London and the UK's number one transport priority. It needs to be up and running by 2015 at the latest if we are to maintain London and the UK's competitiveness. If the Government agree a funding and financing package early in 2007 I am sure the construction sector will be able to plan and expand to be able build both Crossrail and the infrastructure needed for the 2012 Olympics.

Alan Meale MP, Labour MP for Mansfield & Chair Crossrail Select Committee

[Crossrail is] an interesting and exciting project, not only for London and the south-east but the nation.

Cllr George Meehan, Leader, Labour, London Borough of Haringey

Crossrail will bring much needed and lasting benefits to the quality and economic life of the Capital and I am very pleased to support the Campaign for Crossrail.

Lord Methuen, Liberal Democrat

My Lords, I welcome the Crossrail Bill for the benefits that it will bring to all parts of the metropolis and its business.

Cllr Sir Simon Milton, Senior Adviser to Mayor Johnson on Planning & Leader, Conservative, London Borough of Westminster

Crossrail is essential to keep London moving and will help regenerate parts of London that desperately need improvement.

Cllr Keith Moffitt, Leader, Lib Dem, London Borough of Camden

Crossrail is a vital project for the future of London. It will ease the pressure on the current transport system and improve the quality of life for many people across London, including Camden residents. We look forward to the improvements to Tottenham Court Road Station, which is one of the most congested in the Borough.

Cllr Chris Mote, Leader, Conservative, London Borough of Harrow

Crossrail is a vital national infrastructure project. It is needed to maintain the UK's competitiveness and to ensure jobs do not go abroad. It will also regenerate deprived parts of London such as Whitechapel and improve the quality of life for the residents of Harrow.

Bob Neill MP, Conservative MP for Bromley & Chislehurst 

I am very supportive of Crossrail….

Lord Newby, Lib Dem Treasury Spokesperson in the Lords

Crossrail is not just a benefit match for the City; it is a benefit for the whole of London and for the UK as a whole.

Steve Norris, Conservative Mayoral candidate in 2000 and 2004 and former Conservative Minister for London

Crossrail remains the most important infrastructure project for 21st Century London. Without it London's growth is compromised and the Thames Gateway seriously disabled. All political parties should join together to make sure the scheme happens as quickly and effectively as possible.

Cllr Derek Osbourne, Leader, Lib Dem, Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames

Crossrail is a vital national infrastructure project. It is needed to maintain the UK's competitiveness and to ensure jobs do not go abroad. It will also regenerate deprived parts of London such as Whitechapel and help improve the quality of life for the residents of Royal Borough of Kingston.

Richard Ottaway MP, Conservative MP for Croydon South

Crossrail will be an enormous asset for the whole of London and a long awaited boost to the East of London and Thames Gateway.

Andrew Pelling MP, Conservative MP for Croydon Central 

I have spoken in the House of Commons in favour of Crossrail. Combined with Thameslink 2000 Crossrail offers the prospect of the modern mass transit system the City of London needs.

Mayor Jules Pipe CBE, Labour, London Borough of Hackney

New transport links are essential to keep London moving and to maintain our status as a world economic and cultural centre. Through its link with the new East London Line at Whitechapel, Crossrail will improve access for Hackney residents to London and beyond, improving job opportunities and life