High Speed Rail

11th March 2010

HIGH SPEED RAIL FOR THE NORTH

Warmly welcoming Lord Adonis's Command Paper on High Speed Rail, David Begg, Chairman of the Northern Way Transport Group said:

"High Speed Rail is not just a transport issue it is a must do for the North's future economic growth and for the country as a whole. It is also fundamental in moving to a low carbon economy."

"The Northern Way has provided clear evidence that there needs to be a high speed network that serves our great northern cities on both sides of the Pennines. We are pleased that the Government has clearly listened to us on this point and welcome the commitment that a next phase of route planning extending new lines further north to both Manchester and Leeds will now begin in earnest."

"The leadership that Lord Adonis has provided has been important in putting high speed rail centre stage. This commitment will need to continue over successive governments."

Chairman of the Northern Way Hugh Morgan Williams said:

"Experience across the world highlights the importance of high speed rail to a vibrant modern economy. We applaud this commitment from the Government, and from all the main parties, that we need now to make strides in catching up with France, Spain, Japan, China, the USA and other countries across the world."

"The links between the North's city regions and with London, Heathrow and the Channel Tunnel are fundamental to the North's economic future and what we have today is a very welcome start on long term plans that will revolutionise travel and help rebalance the UK's economy between north and south."

Notes.

In September 2009, the Northern Way published its policy position on high speed rail in "Transforming our Economy and our Connectivity: High Speed Rail for the North,"   This sets out fourteen key conclusions informing national policy development, including:

:     

• There should be a network of high speed rail routes serving both sides of the Pennines.
• Well planned, a high speed rail network will accelerate the growth of the northern economy and help bridge the economic gap between North and South.
• The greatest economic benefit comes from the network approach bringing major cites closer together and spreading prosperity across the regions.
• To maximise the economic gain the network must serve city centres - particularly, in the North, Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Newcastle and Liverpool.
• The North's economy will benefit from high speed rail services to Heathrow as well as central London and a direct link to HS1 and the Channel Tunnel.