The scrapping of the eastern leg of HS2 and the rest of the Integrated Rail Plan (IRP) “puts unacceptable limits on our ambition for this wonderful part of the world”, Labour mayors in the north have warned.
The eastern leg of HS2 would have connected Birmingham to Leeds, now Andy Burnham, Steve Rotheram, Jamie Driscoll, Tracy Brabin and Dan Jarvis want the cancellation to be reconsidered.
They are hoping that now that the Government’s Levelling up whitepaper has been published the project can be assessed according to new criteria and perhaps get the go-ahead. The government has said that it has not carried out a levelling-up assessment of rail upgrade plans stating “not been possible to fully assess their impacts on the wider economy”.
In a joint letter the mayors have written to the prime minister, chancellor, levelling up secretary and transport secretary challenging the government to re-access.
“The magnitude of the decision on rail investment in the North of England cannot be overstated,” they said.
“It will have a determinative impact on our economy and society for more than 100 years.
“If we didn’t press for the best possible solution, we would be letting down future generations of northerners.
“We cannot but conclude the current plan puts unacceptable limits on our ambition for this wonderful part of the world.”
A government has said of the IRP: “The plan will bring communities together, boosting inter-city connections and improving rail links.”
Picture Credit: Dan Davison