11.02.20
Metro mayors respond to HS2 announcement
A day many have been waiting for, the government has today (Feb 11) given HS2 the official go-ahead following recommendations from the Oakervee review.
The multi billion pound project has had its fair share of criticism but it has been decided by the Prime Minister that the positives ultimately outweigh the negatives.
The news comes with the appointment of a new HS2 minister, whose full-time job will be to manage the project along with current cost ‘interrogation’.
Andy Street, the Metro Mayor of the West Midlands, said:
“I am delighted that the Prime Minister has given the go-ahead for HS2, meaning we can now get on and reap the considerable benefits from this once-in-a-generation infrastructure project.
"I want to see the next phase of construction works get started immediately for the Birmingham to London link, with progress made on the lines to Manchester and Leeds as soon as possible.
“HS2 was always going to be a game-changer for the region, particularly because of the impact it is going to have both on employment and our local transport network. Not only will HS2 create tens of thousands of jobs for local people - both directly and indirectly - but it is also going to free up vital capacity on our local rail network, meaning we can run more reliable and frequent local commuter services.”
Dan Jarvis, Metro Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, said:
"I welcome today’s announcement from the Prime Minister. HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail are crucial to level up the economy and provide vital upgrades to our creaking Victorian infrastructure. We must ensure they benefit South Yorkshire and unlock prosperity and better connectivity right across our region.
Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said:
“The Prime Minister’s commitment to deliver HS2 in full today is welcome, but falls short of the full and unequivocal commitment to both HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail that the north needs.
“I will continue to push – alongside my fellow Northern leaders – for delivery of the new west-east rail line, fully integrated with HS2, that our city region needs. Improving rail connectivity is vitally important but, for the vast majority of people, transport is not about big national schemes, they want a local transport system they can rely on every day.”
Photo: WIktor Szymanowicz/NurPhoto/PA Images 'British Prime Minister Boris Johnson leaves 10 Downing Street for the House of Commons on 11 Feb'