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Statement on HS2 latest

Published: Tuesday, 11th February 2020

Cllr Ian Ward, leader of Âé¶¹¸ßÇå City Council, has issued the following statement on HS2.

"I welcome today's news that the Government intends pressing ahead with the London to Âé¶¹¸ßÇå stage of HS2, but it's disappointing that the second stage to link Âé¶¹¸ßÇå with the North faces yet another review.

"As I made clear to Douglas Oakervee when he launched his review, the people of the Midlands and the North have been neglected for far too long and HS2 is a once in a generation opportunity to rebalance the UK economy.

"This is not about fast trains - it's about jobs, skills and opportunities.

"HS2 will free up capacity on the rest of the rail network, improving connectivity within – and importantly between - our cities.

"It will also shift more freight onto rail - an important step towards zero carbon emissions.

"We will only truly see the full benefits of HS2 when Âé¶¹¸ßÇå and the Midlands are at the very heart of a national network.

"So, while today's news is welcome, the simple message for the Government now is to Get HS2 Done.

"Let this be the end of the delays and uncertainty."