Scrap HS2 North of Birmingham to Improve Rail Services in the North
The debate over the future of HS2, the high-speed railway project in the United Kingdom, has taken a new turn. Calls are now being made to scrap the northern leg of the project, north of Birmingham, in order to redirect the funds towards improving existing rail services in the North. Lord Berkeley, the deputy chairman of an independent review into HS2, believes that the money saved from abandoning the northern leg could be used to enhance the connectivity between cities in the North.
Critics argue that the existing rail services between Birmingham and Manchester are adequate, but the services between the northern cities need significant improvement. Downing Street is reportedly considering delaying or abandoning the Birmingham to Manchester leg of HS2 due to soaring costs.
However, there are differing opinions on this matter. Figures such as Andy Burnham, the Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester, urge the Prime Minister to continue with the northern route. Former chancellor George Osborne and ex-deputy prime minister Lord Heseltine warn that scrapping the Manchester route would be a gross act of vandalism and would symbolize the abandonment of the North and Midlands.
Lord Berkeley argues that stopping HS2 north of Birmingham would allow for a better focus on improving rail services in the North, specifically between Manchester and Leeds, and Manchester and Liverpool. According to him, the priority should be connecting the existing network in the North more effectively to facilitate easy travel to schools and workplaces without relying on cars. He also highlights the poor services between Birmingham and Nottingham, emphasizing the need for investment in those areas if HS2 is scaled back.
Grant Shapps, the former transport secretary and current Defence Secretary, supports the call for a review of HS2. He cites the escalating costs and external factors such as the war in Ukraine and rising inflation as reasons why the project needs to be reevaluated for affordability. Shapps believes it would be irresponsible not to reassess the project, particularly in light of unforeseen circumstances.
With differing perspectives on the matter, the debate over HS2 and its impact on rail services in the North continues. The decision about whether to proceed with the northern leg of HS2 or to redirect funds for improving existing services will ultimately depend on the government’s assessment of the project’s viability and the priority it places on enhancing connectivity in the North. As the discussions unfold, it remains to be seen how the future of HS2 will shape the transportation landscape in the UK.
