Mayor Andy Burnham warns of a transport crisis in the North without HS2.
- The northern leg of HS2 from Birmingham to Manchester has been scrapped.
- Burnham criticises the government’s decision, urging for a revised plan.
- He suggests a Midlands-Northwest Rail Link as a cost-effective alternative.
- Concerns grow over transport infrastructure as West Coast Main Line reaches capacity.
Mayor Andy Burnham has highlighted a looming transport crisis in Northern England, following the government’s decision to scrap the northern leg of the HS2 project connecting Birmingham to Manchester. Burnham has issued a stark warning about the implications of this decision, labelling it as potentially catastrophic for the region.
During his speech at the Labour Party Conference, Burnham was emphatic about the negative effects of the HS2 termination at Birmingham. He stated that this would lead to deteriorated rail services in the North, with slower trains and reduced seating availability. Burnham particularly pointed out the limitations of the West Coast Main Line (WCML), which cannot accommodate longer carriages or facilitate high-speed travel effectively.
Originally, the HS2 was conceived as a high-speed railway to link London and Manchester, aiming to enhance connectivity and economic growth. However, in 2023, under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the project was curtailed to save £36 billion. This decision has sparked significant backlash in Northern regions.
In response, Burnham is advocating for an alternative proposal, the Midlands-Northwest Rail Link. This plan envisions a connection between Lichfield and High Legh, near Warrington, and seeks private investment to finance the project. Burnham argues that this could resolve regional transport issues at a fraction of the cost of the original HS2 plans.
Burnham has stressed the urgency of modernising the UK’s rail infrastructure to avoid what he describes as a ‘transport nightmare,’ especially as both the WCML and the M6 motorway reach their capacity.
Furthermore, he supports extending the existing HS2 from Old Oak Common into Euston Station in London, emphasising the need for Northern England’s populace to have direct access to the capital. His assertions come amidst concerns raised by the National Audit Office regarding capacity challenges due to the HS2 northern leg’s cancellation.
Burnham’s warnings highlight the critical need for strategic investments in the North’s transport network to support future demands and maintain economic vitality.
The need for strategic investment in Northern transport infrastructure is critical to avoid long-term economic disruptions.
