Business leaders seek benefits to extend throughout UK

Government must prioritise connectivity for UK regions, says a letter sent to Prime Minister Boris Johnson exactly one year after he promised to proceed with HS2 ( RAIL 899).

Dated February 12, the letter is signed by 46 business leaders representing companies including Alstom, Siemens Mobility,

Wabtec, HS1, Atkins, Thales, British Steel, WSP and SYSTRA.

It states: “We write to you today, as the leaders of some of Britain’s biggest rail, engineering and construction firms, representing over 72,000 employees, to urge you most strongly to ensure that as many parts of the UK as possible benefit from HS2 and the IRP [ Integrated Rail Plan], and that the much-needed connectivity improvements between Yorkshire, the East Midlands and the West Midlands are prioritised.

“In our view, this is vital if we are to ensure the benefits of the Government’s investment in HS2 are felt far and wide across the country.”

The letter confirms the understanding that the investment must be affordable, and that work must be done by the industry with Government,

HS2 Ltd and other relevant parties to deliver projects as effectively and affordably as possible. It confirms the commitment to do so.

It finishes: “High speed rail has a hugely important part to play in the environmental, economic and social future of our country. Over the coming decades, we believe there should be a programme to ensure its benefits reach all of the nations and regions of Britain.

“We urge you to build on the announcement made one year ago, and give the go-ahead for the next, vital parts of that programme.”