MPs urged to support HS2

BUSINESS leaders in Birmingham have urged MPs to support the case for the high speed rail link between Birmingham and London when the issue is debated in the House of Commons today.

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Group said HS2 would bring  22,000 jobs to Birmingham and deliver a £1.5bn boost to the West Midlands economy every year.

Jerry Blackett, chamber chief executive, said: “It’s encouraging to know that HS2 proposals, which would cut the journey time between the capital and Birmingham to 49 minutes, have already received endorsement from all of the party conferences.
 
“The fact that they all support HS2 demonstrates how important HS2 will be to our regional and national economy.
 
“What really excites businesses in the West Midlands is being right at the heart of the network. Our region is the hub for services to London, the North, Scotland and Europe.”

Liberal Democrat Minister for Transport Norman Baker told his party conference in Birmingham that there was “a desperate need for more capacity north to south”.

Transport Secretary Philip Hammond said that neglecting major transport infrastructure would lead to neglecting the UK economy. He said HS2 would “allow a levelling of the playing field, away from London and the South East”.

Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Transport Maria Eagle has given full support, calling for first phase legislation to go beyond Birmingham to include the northern cities.

Rail analysts have said the new track is needed because of limited capacity on existing routes and the fact the UK should not be allowed to lag behind global competitors when it comes to high speed rail travel.