Region 's MPs urged to back HS2 link into Manchester
Business leaders in Greater Birmingham are today urging the region 's politicians to support the latest phase of the HS2 project, linking the line from Birmingham into the heart of Manchester.
The Phase 2B Bill is due to have its second reading in the House of Commons today.
In November, the Government set out a £96billion Integrated Rail Plan for the North and the Midlands. The HS2 Crewe to Manchester scheme sits at the centre of these plans, taking highspeed rail into the centre of Manchester.
It will also underpin the Northern Powerhouse Rail scheme, which will expand the high-speed network to the east and west.
Numerous benefits are expected to be realised as the project progresses. Construction is currently supporting 25,000 jobs, while 900 of an expected 2000 apprentices have already worked on the project.
A total of £23billion-worth of HS2 contracts have already been awarded, with a further £9billion to be awarded in the next few years.
The project is also supporting supply chains - over 2,500 businesses have already delivered works on HS2, 70 per cent of which are SMEs and over 95 per cent are based in Britain.
Henrietta Brealey (pictured), chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “The importance of delivering the western leg of HS2 has taken on even more significance given the political and economic uncertainty we find ourselves facing across the board.
“Pressing ahead with HS2 will play a huge role in rebalancing our economy and shifting away from a reliance on the South to drive prosperity.
“By bringing Birmingham closer to London and Manchester, it will also allow for much faster and more frequent connections - an essential part in driving economic growth and raising productivity levels that have been particularly impacted by the pandemic.
“That 's why it is crucial we see the progression of the Phase 2B Bill through Parliament and ensure it stays on track to achieve Royal Assent.
“I have been writing to local politicians to encourage them to vote in support of the Bill ahead of its second reading.
“Put simply, investing in a project of this scale will unlock essential commercial and environmental benefits that will benefit our country for decades to come. ”