Chamber Reacts to HS2 Delay
1 year ago
Commenting on the decision to delay HS2, Chris Fletcher, Policy Director at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said:
"Whilst we acknowledge the financial constraints that government finds itself in, we see the decision to delay the essential construction and further development of HS2 as a step in the wrong direction. We have already seen significant parts of the scheme scrapped or reduced significantly and further delays, dithering and uncertainty undermines any claim this government may have about taking levelling up seriously.
"Outside of the Southeast a combination of factors are having catastrophic impacts on current levels of rail service - hugely amplified by rail strikes. Cutting bits away of HS2 devalues the economic case as does extending the timetable with the impacts of inflation and continuing reliance on a rail system that does not work.
"These schemes are not just about transport but serve as valuable investments into the country, its economy and people that we will benefit from for decades to come. HS2 must be built in full without further delay and take its place as the backbone of transport infrastructure alongside local schemes and continued investment."
Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce is the largest Chamber of Commerce in the UK, providing business support to approximately 4,500 members who collectively employ 446,000 people, around one-third of Greater Manchester’s workforce.
Recognised as a leader in its field, Greater Manchester Chamber’s reputation in government circles has grown locally and nationally. At the heart of the area of greatest economic intensity outside London and the South East, the Chamber is the primary body for business support, policy, representation and networking.
The Chamber is an independent, not-for-profit private company and its aim is to support businesses and help create the best climate for the region to prosper. This is achieved by ensuring that those taking decisions on key issues such as transport, taxation and business regulation hear the voice of our members. The representation of our members’ views is central to the work of the policy team at the Chamber; these views are gathered in a range of ways including our local councils, policy committees, sector councils, the main Chamber council, focus groups, meetings with politicians and consultations.
The Chamber also offers a range of networking forums across Greater Manchester, free as part of membership, plus a variety of other events and services designed to benefit specific sectors or individuals and help businesses to grow.