Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has issued a stark warning regarding the cancellation of the HS2 link to Manchester.
- Burnham argues that the termination will lead to slower trains and fewer seats for the North.
- He advocates for a cost-effective alternative through the proposed Midlands-Northwest Rail Link.
- Burnham highlights the risk of an impending transport crisis without modernising the rail infrastructure.
- Investment is urged to avoid a ‘transport nightmare’ as existing rail lines reach capacity.
Mayor Andy Burnham of Greater Manchester has cautioned that the North could face significant transport disruption following the scrapping of the HS2 project section from Birmingham to Manchester. Speaking at the Labour Party Conference, Burnham stressed the likelihood of deteriorated train services in the North, should the HS2 line halt in Birmingham.
Burnham specifically pointed out that using the existing West Coast Main Line (WCML) for the HS2 trains would result in a downgraded rail service. He noted the current infrastructure lacks the capacity required for double-length carriages and high-speed curves, which are critical for maintaining efficient services. He stated, “It would result in a worse train service than we’ve currently got.”
Originally, HS2 aimed to connect London and Manchester, but plans were cut back in 2023 to save £36 billion—a decision made under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s government, causing significant discontent in the North. In response, Burnham is advocating for a more feasible alternative, the Midlands-Northwest Rail Link. This proposed line would stretch from Lichfield to High Legh, near Warrington, and would benefit from private investment backing.
Burnham sees this alternative as a solution to the North’s regional transport challenges at a reduced cost compared to the original HS2 budget. He is campaigning to extend the HS2 line from Old Oak Common into London’s central Euston Station, which he believes essential for improving connectivity from the North to the capital. “People in the North of England should be able to get into the heart of our capital city,” he asserted.
Concerns have also been raised by the National Audit Office regarding capacity problems that the North might face if enhancements to rail infrastructure are not pursued. Burnham warned that merely upgrading the existing WCML would be both disruptive and insufficient in meeting future transport demands. He stated Britain could be “sleepwalking toward a transport nightmare” without investing in modern infrastructure.
Investment in modern rail infrastructure is crucial to avert a severe transport dilemma in the North.
