Rail plan can be platform for economy

A study whether a high-speed rail line can be built from the North and join with the Southern section should be carried out as a “priority”, a report says.

The Commons Transport Select Committee say there is a strong case for high-speed rail moving beyond Leeds and Manchester to Scotland and urges the Government to release more information on the line after Birmingham.

Phase one would see a line built from London to Birmingham, then a Y-shaped spur travelling east and west to Leeds and Manchester.

But today’s report wants more detailed information including which stations would be served by the spur and the environmental impact the line would have. It said MPs believe in the longer term the line should be expanded to include Scotland, Wales and other parts of the UK.

Committee chairman Louise Ellman said: “High-speed rail may be a catalyst for economic growth, helping to rebalance the economy and bridge the North-South divide. But the Government must do more to promote local and regional growth strategies to ensure we get maximum economic benefit.

“High-speed rail is affordable: HS2 will cost around £2 billion per annum over 17 years. Construction of a high-speed rail network should start with the line between London and the West Midlands, as this is where capacity needs are greatest. But we are concerned that under current plans, high-speed rail lines won’t reach Manchester and Leeds for more than 20 years.

“The Government should also look at options to build southwards from the North and link to other lines such as the Midland Main Line. We see no reason why the Scottish Government should not begin work on a Scottish high-speed line, to connect with the English network in due course.”

The MPs believe the economic impact will be greater in the northern regions than the London and West Midlands and called for an “urgent strategic appraisal” of phase two before a final decision on phase one is taken.

Alternative proposals to upgrade the existing West Coast Mainline would provide additional capacity but given the substantial growth in passenger numbers may prove inadequate, the report believes.

MPs also attacked the Government for branding anti-high-speed rail campaigners as “Nimbys” and said claims that HS2 would deliver substantial carbon-reduction benefits did not stand up to scrutiny.

However, HS2 would produce less carbon than an expanded motorway network or greater domestic aviation in the event of increased demand for inter-urban travel, it added.

In addition, any investment in a high speed line must not lead to reduced investment in the “classic” rail network.