East Mids needs to feel HS2 benefits, says chamber
Plans for the major new high-speed rail system given the government's go-ahead need to be extended to the East Midlands, a regional chamber has said.
Commenting on the announcement today by transport secretary Justine Greening to rubber stamp the first phase of the HS2 scheme, George Cowcher, chief executive of the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce, said the East Midlands' economy could get a £3.8bn boost.
"Today’s announcement by the transport secretary to give the first phase of HS2 the go-ahead is a welcome first step in addressing the ongoing need to upgrade the UK’s rail infrastructure," he said.
"However, given that a proposed East Midlands spur could deliver economic benefits of around £3.8bn, it is vital that the government also gives a firm commitment to rolling out the second phase of the scheme which includes a link from Birmingham to Leeds, travelling through our region."
Cowcher said that linking Derby and Nottingham to London and the wider European network would bring "real benefits" to the region's economy.
"This is not just about speed and reducing journey times," he added. "It’s about taking the pressure off the existing rail network by creating the much-needed extra capacity it requires to cope with future growth and the demands of modern business and travel."
