Business calls for commitment to HS2 Eastern Leg
East Midlands Chamber has called on the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Phillip Hammond, to confirm his Government’s commitment to the Eastern Leg of HS2.
It has joined other Chambers of Commerce on the proposed route, together representing over 11,000 businesses, to call for speedy confirmation and delivery of the rail link between Birmingham and Leeds, via Sheffield and the East Midlands, and then north to Newcastle and Edinburgh.
In a joint letter, the chief executives of five Chambers said: “There are compelling economic reasons for improving connectivity between businesses in these key cities and regions.
“Research undertaken by KPMG in 2013 suggested that HS2 would deliver an additional £4.1bn of GDP output for the East Midlands, South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire.”
The letter describes progress on HS2 Eastern Leg as “a key tenet” of a “vision for a successful UK outside of the European Union”.
It said: “The areas along the route are home to some of the UK’s most dynamic and innovative firms, operating successfully in regional, national and international markets.
“These businesses are already growing. Improving linkages will unlock further growth, allowing them to exploit the benefits of agglomeration and help forge an economy that is balanced both in terms of geography and sector.
“Moreover, the increased productivity and competitiveness facilitated by HS2 Eastern Leg will not just bolster growth locally but will also support long-term international success against competitors in other countries that already benefit from high speed rail.
“The business community is fully committed to grasping the opportunities that HS2’s Eastern Leg will bring. Plans are already being developed to increase connectivity within the regions in order to maximise the economic benefit of HS2 and to ensure it can be felt beyond the urban centres.”
Chris Hobson, director of policy at East Midlands Chamber, said: “The letter makes clear to Mr Hammond that businesses along the route of the HS2 Eastern Leg are united in wanting this major infrastructure development to go ahead.
“The economic benefits have been clearly identified and we don’t want to see the East Midlands and other parts of the country on the Eastern Leg route miss out on this opportunity for growth.
“It is vital that Government confirms its commitment to HS2 Eastern Leg and, just as importantly, the location of the station hubs, so that linked infrastructure projects can be planned for cohesive and concurrent development.”
