A number of constituents have sent me a copy of an
email regarding HS2.
The government’s commitment to see the UK economy
at net carbon zero by 2050 is world leading and dynamic and has my full
support.
There have not been any new lines built (other than
the Euro tunnel link) outside of London for a hundred years. The Victorians
were very good at building the lines we still use today but they are now beyond
capacity, particularly going North. A mix of freight, local stopping trains and
express services all sharing the same line causes problems and delays which
will only escalate with demand. Trying to upgrade those lines would cause
massive disruption and weekend line closures estimated at lasting for 29 years
– and it would not solve the underlying issue of capacity. So, a new line is
needed and the difference in cost between a new line and a highspeed one is
marginal. Further, it may as well be a fast one which uses the latest
technology.
No major project has received greater consideration
in terms of the environment than HS2. Two million trees will be planted to name
but one of the measures. Bear in mind too that train travel is one of the most
environmentally friendly forms of transport.
The economy is of course going to feel the fallout
of the medical crisis and once we are through this the government no doubt
review expenditure in many areas. One of the ways to boost the economy is to
continue to invest in our infrastructure and that includes the prospect of
improving road and rail links both locally and nationally.
