The Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP Secretary of State for Transport Great Minster House 33 Horseferry Road London, SW1P 4DR Re: HS2 Goldborne Link Dear Secretary of State, We write in respect to reports that the “Golborne Link” may be removed from the HS2 project. As you will know, the Golborne Link is specifically included in the HS2 Phase 2b Bill and in the Integrated Rail Plan which was published just last November and stated in paragraph 1.10: “Integrated Rail Plan core pipeline Provision: … HS2 Phase 2b Western Leg (including Golborne link) …”. It is only six months since the Government re-confirmed its decision to proceed with this part of HS2, following a second fundamental review in three years. To have an important part of the scheme called into question at this stage is therefore deeply concerning. The Golborne Link has been provided for in the budget for HS2 and is needed to allow adequate capacity on the planned integrated national rail network to fulfil its vital function of handling the nation’s longer distance movements of both passengers and freight. Without this connection, a bottleneck will be created north of Crewe on the West Coast Main Line. Such an important strategic question of how HS2 and freight services connect into Scotland cannot be left open or uncertain. Both policy makers and businesses have been planning on delivering the revised HS2 scheme as set out in the IRP, under the assumption there would not be any more fundamental, strategic, changes to the project. Further uncertainty could also extend timescales for the project, delaying the wide ranging benefits the scheme provides. Given these concerning reports, we would be grateful if you could confirm the Golborne Link will remain part of HS2, as a matter of urgent priority. Yours sincerely, Board of Directors High Speed Rail Group
Maggie Simpson Director General Rail Freight Group
Darren Caplan Chief Executive Railway Industry Association