HS2 & 3
19 Nov 2020
The overworked UK rail network badly needed investment and this commitment from the Government is a big step in that direction. It’s a serious affirmation not just of the potential in the Midlands but the North of England too. This must be just the start - Scotland and cross UK public transport must be enhanced too. We understand concerns over spiralling costs and the environment but the UK needs reliable and time-effective solutions to enable the workforce to be as mobile as their business requires them to be. This is not just to meet current commitments but those in the future in a sustainable manner. For too long, we’ve watched high speed rail only be the prerogative of other countries like Japan, France, China and Italy. This new railway will now allow investment to be spread across our country not just in the South East and we are pleased that the Government has finally sanctioned it.
Despite the devastating effect of the Coronavirus on the UK economy, there has been no sign that the HS2 project will be halted. Protests continue along the route from time to time but construction of bridges has started and the clearing of the main station sites continues in London and Birmingham. Commitment from the Govt was stated in February and too much work had effectively happened to reverse it. Whether HS3 and beyond will begin on time remains to be seen as the Treasury assesses the economic damage done in the short and medium terms by COVID-19 on the UK economy.
For more information see:
Prime Minister's statement (11 Feb 2020): https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/pm-statement-on-transport-infrastructure-11-february-2020
HS2 Route Map: https://www.hs2.org.uk/where/route-map/#8/52.453/-1.488
HS2 Wikipedia (giving dates etc): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Speed_2
