David Ralph, Chief Executive of D2N2 LEP
‘The Strategic Case for HS2’ was published today by the Department of Transport (DfT).
In response, D2N2 Chief Executive David Ralph said: “Today’s announcement doesn’t fundamentally change the strong business case for the earliest possible delivery of HS2 to Birmingham and accelerating delivery of Phase Two all the way to Manchester and Leeds, via the East Midlands.
“The D2N2 board has already confirmed its united support for HS2 and its earliest delivery of Phase Two, providing investor confidence and certainty.
“With huge challenges of capacity, doing nothing is not an option and HS2 provides the strongest business case.
“D2N2 will be working with all our local partners to ensure the project is a catalyst for regeneration and seek to maximise the opportunity.
“Unfortunately, the UK has often had a stop-start philosophy to major infrastructure projects but what businesses need is confidence and certainty and that has to happen with HS2.
“HS2 not only provides increased connectivity for businesses and residents alike but it is particularly important in the D2N2 area because of our strong rail sector which is already demonstrating our ability to deliver more rolling stock and rail upgrades.”
