17.07.19
TSSA welcomes vote backing HS2 phase 2
The general secretary of the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA) has described the decision by MPs to approve the second stage of the High Speed Two (HS2) as “wise and welcome”.
MPs backed the High Speed Rail (West Midlands to Crewe) Bill in the House of Commons yesterday by 263 votes in favour to 17 against.
The Bill, if approved by the House of Lords, will see HS2 extended from Birmingham to Crewe.
Commenting on the significant development Manuel Cortes, TSSA general secretary, said: “It’s good to see MPs across the House backing HS2 and in so doing supporting the future of rail in 21st century Britain.
“It’s a wise and welcome step and one which – in extending the service from Birmingham to Crew – will help secure the future of this vital project which should go as far as the major cities in Scotland.
“HS2 is not simply about trains and capacity, it represents a golden opportunity to modernise and expand Britain’s railways as green drivers of economic regeneration.
“In this respect HS2 is crucial to the rebalancing of Britain’s economy so that it doesn’t simply focus on the South East but grows jobs right down the spine of Britain.
“Boris Johnson has suggested he would order a reassessment of the business case for HS2 should he become Prime Minister. Let me assure him now – HS2 is one thing he has no reason to be concerned about.”
HS2 is proposed to open between London and Birmingham in December 2026, with a second phase launching in two stages.
Phase 2a from the West Midlands to Crewe will begin in 2027, followed by phase 2b from Crewe to Manchester, and Birmingham to Leeds, in 2033.
(Picture: Nick Ansell/PA Images)