TRANSPORT

The Northern train robbery

After 11 years of campaigning for improved rail connectivity both within and across our region, the announcements contained within the long awaited Integrated Rail Plan are extremely disappointing and will call into question just how serious this government is, on its levelling up promises. At their heart, HS2 and NPR are not just transport projects, they are the game-changing backbone of the levelling-up agenda when taken in the spirit of the original vision. These projects shouldn’t be viewed as simply a faster way to get to and from London, but an essential component to rebalancing the UK’s economy by connecting people more efficiently with the jobs and education opportunities across our region. It is well established that great infrastructure is the backdrop to improved productivity and accessibility. It plays a pivotal role in allowing the incredible talent that exists around our country to reach its true potential. It must also be recognised that without effective, accessible transport for all, we will remain hamstrung in our ability to achieve our commitments to the climate change agenda, which has been widely debated in recent weeks. We have long argued that it is imperative that such projects are recognised as investments that will facilitate economic growth long into the future, rather than costs for the here and now. Government must recognise we are still benefitting from the Victorian infrastructure and foresight delivered nearly two centuries ago. HS2 offers many benefits to the region and the country as a whole. It aims to free up capacity on the existing rail network, provide more reliable and frequent commuter journeys, and really importantly take more freight off our congested highways and motorways, contributing to the nation’s net-zero ambitions. Northern Powerhouse Rail too was set to provide significant improvements to enable faster and more frequent east-west journeys, connecting the north’s major urban centres and in turn widening access and opportunity for communities across the region. The Chamber will continue to lobby the Government to reconsider, and will make the case for a full implementation of the 21st century infrastructure that West and North Yorkshire deserves.