Leader calls to end damaging HS2 speculation
The leader of Leeds City Council and transport lead for the West Yorkshire Combined Authority has spoken out about the need for commitment to HS2.
Cllr Judith Blake, was speaking following the Oakervee Review leak which has been widely reported.
She commented: “It is time to bring the damaging speculation around HS2 to an end with the prompt publication of the Oakervee Review and an unambiguous Government commitment to deliver the project in full. Anything less, including downgrading HS2 north of Birmingham, would seriously damage this Government’s claim to be levelling-up the North and Midlands.
“After decades of underinvestment in strategic rail infrastructure, HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail integrated together represent a once-in-a-generation chance to transform connectivity, attract investment, boost skills and opportunity and level-up communities across the North.
“Transforming rail capacity and connectivity in the North and Midlands will create economic growth, improve productivity, boost jobs and skills, increase prosperity and support a transition to a low-carbon economy.”
The review highlighted the growing cost for the project, suggesting it would now total £106bn. The leaked report also suggested stalling the project for six months while research into the impact the investment would have on regional growth was conducted.
