Business leaders welcome MP support for HS2

MP support for the HS2 rail link should be followed with new investment to support the economic growth of the West Midlands, business leaders have said.

The decision by the Transport Select Committee to support the case for HS2 between London and Birmingham was very welcome, said the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Group.

Jerry Blackett, BCCG chief executive, said: “We must also stress the need for local transport investment to go alongside HS2 to increase the economic benefits and share them throughout the region.

“HS2 is the only viable option for Birmingham if we want to see the levels of growth; investment and job creation that will transform this city.

“We are clear that HS2 is the 21st century solution to our creaking Victorian infrastructure.”

The chamber has been working with local businesses, local authorities and transport authorities since 2009 to maximise the benefits possible from HS2.

Birmingham is intended to be the hub of the high speed rail network and estimates are that it will create 22,000 jobs for the area and be worth £1.5bn per year to the regional GDP.

Centro chief executive Geoff Inskip said he was delighted the Transport Committee’s report recognised that HS2 would deliver both economic and capacity benefits for the West Midlands.

“Right from the outset we’ve argued that there is a good business case for HS2 in the West Midlands based on the need to provide capacity, so it’s great to see the Committee conclude that HS2 will bring a step change in the capacity, quality, reliability and frequency of rail services between our major cities.

Mr Inskip said he was pleased the Transport Committee had also concluded that HS2 was affordable.

“Critics often point to the cost, but don’t mention that £2bn per year is currently being spent on Crossrail in London. This budget will transfer to HS2 on completion and benefit UK regions, not just the capital,” he said.

Mr Inskip said the committee understood that work should start between Birmingham and London, where capacity needs were greatest, but agreed that the route north of the West Midlands was vital.

“We’re keen to see HS2 built, but look forward to faster, direct connections with our friends in the north, as well as London and Europe,” he added.

The committee said there was a strong case for the high speed link, together with its extension to Leeds and Manchester.