Work to start ‘within weeks’ as PM formally gives green light to HS2

Boris Johnson has given his backing for the whole of the HS2 high speed line to go ahead, with work starting within weeks.

The Prime Minister announced the decision in the House of Commons, saying his government believed that going ahead was the best thing to do – despite spiralling costs.

Johnson said he will appoint a full-time Minister to oversee the project, after criticising “poor management” and costs that have “exploded”.

The first phase of the high speed line will travel between London and Birmingham, with a second phase going to Manchester and Leeds – and through an East Midlands hub at Toton.

Roger Marsh, chairman of the NP11 Board and Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership, responded: “The confirmation that HS2 will be built in full is a very welcome step in helping to transform the North’s critical infrastructure.

“HS2 is a major part of ongoing efforts to rebalance the national economy and will unlock further opportunities for the North to become a key driver for UK growth.

“In particular we welcome the commitment to delivering the eastern leg, which is critical to ensuring the full benefits of the scheme are felt across the North. We understand the need to review how this is delivered and have made the point previously that one option is to build from the North.

“The time for talking is over. We all have a stake in the successful delivery of an integrated, modern transport system, fit for 21st century Britain. Now is the time for us all to pull together and get behind this transformative scheme to ensure that its benefits are felt in the towns across the North.”

Dan Jarvis, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, said: “I welcome today’s announcement from the Prime Minister.

“HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail are crucial to level up the economy and provide vital upgrades to our creaking Victorian infrastructure. We must ensure they benefit South Yorkshire and unlock prosperity and better connectivity right across our region.

“The decision to review Phase 2b, which includes the route through South Yorkshire, gives us the opportunity to look again at the impact of HS2 on communities in our region.

“The Government needs to ensure this review is undertaken thoroughly but speedily so we can minimise disruption. I’m acutely aware that some of our local residents now face further uncertainty and are unable to plan for the future. I will be meeting with the Secretary of State today to discuss these matters in more detail.

“We need urgent investment in South Yorkshire’s wider transport infrastructure so we see improvements in the short term. The Government must use the Budget to invest in shovel-ready projects in South Yorkshire.

“This means approving our full Transforming Cities funding bid, which will enable us to improve our rail, bus, walking and cycling network. We also need clarity on the Government’s plans to invest in buses so we can halt the decline in services in South Yorkshire.”

Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Lead, said: “HS2 is a critical component of our established plans to transform the region, so we very much welcome the government’s go-ahead to deliver the project in full.

“The eastern leg alone would be worth £600 million in annual benefits to the UK economy.

“We look forward to working with the government on the review of the eastern leg, with work then starting as soon as possible to deliver it for the benefit of all our communities.

“In looking again at the project which the Prime Minister referenced, we have our own plans and ideas to improve the eastern leg and allow it to be delivered faster which we would be keen to discuss with him and the new HS2 Minister.

“We remain unequivocal in our clear commitment that HS2 needs to be delivered in full as part of an integrated network with Northern Powerhouse Rail from Liverpool to Hull with improved connectivity to south and east Yorkshire, as well as an upgraded trans-Pennine route to truly transform connectivity, attract investment, and level-up communities across the north and the whole of the country.”

Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, chairman of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and leader of Bradford Council, said: “The Government has committed to investing in the North and overhauling the way Whitehall evaluates the potential benefits of major projects to ensure regions like ours do not lose out. The decisions taken on Northern Powerhouse Rail and HS2 in the coming months will be a significant early test of that commitment.

“The UK needs both HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail with a line through Bradford city centre, an upgraded trans-Pennine route and improved resilience on the East Coast Main Line, to rebalance the economy and address the poor transport links between cities in the North and Midlands.”