Original high-speed rail plan should be resurrected, say manufacturers

The government cancelled plans for high-speed services to Sheffield and Leeds in 2021, with Birmingham to Manchester proposals axed in 2023.

Sunak said at the time the decision was due to huge costs and long delays[1].

Politicians and business leaders in Yorkshire condemned the move[2].

Tracy Brabin, West Yorkshire's Mayor, said limiting HS2 to a London-Birmingham service was "yet another blow to northern transport" and would "derail our efforts to boost the economy and level up opportunities".

South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard said it was "not just a broken promise to the North, it's a catastrophe for the whole of the UK".

Make UK warned current levels of rail capacity were "not suitable for the levels of freight traffic the government is predicting in the future".

Director of policy Verity Davidge said: "As a result, if industry is to make greater use of rail then we need the extra capacity which a high-speed link for passenger traffic would free up.

"This would provide a valuable opportunity to invest in multi-mode hubs which would improve connectivity between our major ports and better integrate road and rail routes through the spine of the country."

Lee Collinson, head of manufacturing, transport and logistics at Barclays UK Corporate Bank, said: "Upgrading and integrating our road, rail and port systems is crucial for boosting productivity, decarbonising transport and supporting long-term competitiveness."

References

1. ^ huge costs and long delays (www.bbc.co.uk)
2. ^ condemned the move (www.bbc.co.uk)