HS2 must have Euro links – business leaders

THE high speed rail route between London and Birmingham must include links to Heathrow and Eurostar, three of the region’s business groups have urged the transport secretary.

In a letter timed to coincide with the start of public consultation into the proposed route, the three said: “Whilst the dramatic reduction in journey times between London and Birmingham that HS2 would bring is to be welcomed we are campaigning to ensure that HS2 connects directly to Eurostar and so links into the European high speed network.”

The letter was co-signed by Jerry Blackett, chief executive of Birmingham Chamber Group, Neil Maybury of Birmingham Business Focus and Richard Winfield, a director of Birmingham Forward.

The trio say: “The ability of business in the Midlands to travel speedily to and from the commercial centres of Europe cannot be underestimated, whilst a route via Heathrow would also be an advantage.”

And they urged the Government to avoid delays to the scheme, despite the environmental protests.

The letter said: “The current rail link between Birmingham London could hit maximum capacity before 2022. In practice it could be much earlier.”

“Whilst it is important to consider the environmental impact of HS2 it would be right to bear in mind that many people living in the countryside near London have for many years benefited from the very considerable investment in the rail infrastructure in the South East. Some would say it is now our turn.”