Responding to Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s commitment to the eastern leg of HS2, as stated during this week’s Prime Minister’s Questions, Tim Wood, Northern Powerhouse Rail Director at Transport for the North, said: “It is reassuring to hear the Prime Minister reaffirming his Government’s commitment to the full HS2 project, but this must be followed up by action to take the plans forward at pace.
“We want ambitious new and upgraded rail lines for future generations, not cut-price alternatives that won’t deliver the same opportunities.
“Our Northern leaders, speaking with one voice, remain resolute; we must have both HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) built in full to truly transform connectivity in our region; to give our people and businesses the network they need and deserve to achieve their ambitions; and to rebalance the economy and realise the levelling-up agenda.
“We await with interest the Government’s Integrated Rail Plan and stand ready to play our role as the strategic body for our region in bringing our much-needed rail projects to life.”
