North has so much to gain… if we get it right

HS2 is a crucial piece in the jigsaw of rebalancing our economy. If it simply means we’re all just an hour’s commute from working in London, it won’t do much to help our regional economy.

But this is exactly why we need to make sure we get HS2 right and make it work for us in the North.

Firstly, we need to make sure this doesn’t only benefit big cities that get a station.

We need to invest in the links that will connect towns and cities with HS2 hubs.

Secondly, we need to push forward with plans to develop HS3 to connect east and west. Surely it cannot be right that it’s currently quicker to travel from London to Paris than from Liverpool to Hull?

And, thirdly, we need to use HS2 to boost local jobs and skills. This means valuing apprenticeships and technical education as well as the academic route.

This is what we see in Germany with its export-led economy driven by regional government with teeth.

For my money, the North has much more to gain than to lose from HS2.