Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has issued a stark warning about the future of rail services in the North without the completion of the HS2 link from Birmingham to Manchester.
Burnham is advocating for a more affordable alternative to the HS2 northern leg, highlighting the significant impact on the North’s connectivity and economic future.
Speaking at the Labour Party Conference, Burnham urged Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to reverse the previous government’s decision to scrap the northern leg of HS2. He is calling for a revised, more affordable version of the original plan.
Burnham explained that terminating HS2 in Birmingham would lead to deteriorated rail services in the North. Slower trains and fewer seats would become the norm.
Modernising the rail infrastructure is crucial to avoid what Burnham terms a ‘transport nightmare.’
Burnham is now advocating for the Midlands-Northwest Rail Link as a lower-cost alternative. This project would connect Lichfield to High Legh, near Warrington, and be backed by private investment.
He also supports extending HS2 from Old Oak Common into London’s Euston Station to improve connectivity from the North to the capital.
The economic and social implications of not addressing these capacity issues could be far-reaching.
Andy Burnham’s passionate advocacy highlights the complex interplay between transport infrastructure and regional economic health. Without addressing these critical issues, the North faces a grim reality.
Burnham’s warnings serve as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of inadequate rail investment in the North.
The call for a revised, cost-effective solution underscores the urgent need for proactive measures to ensure the North’s connectivity and economic stability.
