Cross-party support received from MPs for Crossrail 2

More than 50 MPs from across the country and from across the political divide urged Government to support Crossrail 2 on April 21.

The 59 MPs said that backing the scheme, to connect rail networks in Surrey and Hertfordshire via an underground tunnel between Wimbledon and Tottenham Hale/ New Southgate, would show that the UK was open for business.

It’s claimed that the new railway would help grow the economy by up to £150 billion, as well as supporting 200,000 new homes and 200,000 new jobs. More than 30% of the houses would be outside the capital, while 60,000 supply chain jobs and 18,000 new apprenticeships would also be supported by the project. The new line, which could be up and running by 2033, would also alleviate overcrowding.

“Crossrail 2 is absolutely crucial to the future growth and prosperity of our capital,” said David Lammy, MP for Tottenham and Chairman of Crossrail 2 APPG.

“Without Crossrail 2, our train and Tube networks won’t be able to cope with future demand. And the project is vital to addressing the housing crisis and providing jobs and apprenticeships opportunities across London and the South East. The importance of Crossrail 2 is reflected by the huge cross-party support calling on the Government to give their backing to the project. Crossrail 2 will have a hugely positive impact on the lives of people across London and the wider South East.”

Government backing would allow Transport for London to develop Crossrail 2’s design to submit a Hybrid Bill to Parliament, in order to gain powers to build the railway.

The MPs’ constituencies ranged from as far afield as Newcastle and Portsmouth, as well as those more directly affected by Crossrail 2 in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, London and Surrey. They wrote to Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond and Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling, stating that the entire country would receive a boost from the scheme.

Promoters of the project claim more than one million journeys will be boosted each day by Crossrail 2, with 40% of transport benefits falling outside London. It will also serve the HS2 interchange at London Euston.

Sir Alan Haselhurst, MP for Saffron Walden and Chairman of the West Anglia Taskforce, said: “I attach the greatest possible importance to Crossrail 2 and its beneficial implications for London and for the region I represent. I would be delighted if an early Government commitment could be made.”

Tom Brake, MP for Carshalton and Wallington, said: “Rather than sitting on its hands as it has done during the chaos caused by the Southern Rail strikes, it’s high time the Government gave backing for transport infrastructure which will help increase jobs, stimulate the local economy and relieve stress for the thousands of commuters who call the South East home.”

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “The Government cannot ignore the growing national demand for it to back Crossrail 2. The fact that more than 50 MPs from across the country have crossed political lines to join together shows just how important the project is for the whole nation.

“It is essential for the UK economy, for jobs, for the housing market and for our transport network, and sends a real message to the world that Britain is open for business. We’ve shown how London can pay directly for half of the cost, it’s time the Government gave its unwavering support so the UK can benefit.”