HS2 'could transform UK's job market and economy'

Date: 1/3/2011

A new high-speed rail network (HS2) would not only improve the UK's economy and jobs market, but it would also help to boost prosperity and change the way businesses operate, the government has claimed.

Launching a consultation into the HS2 proposals, the Department for Transport this week explained that the planned network would form the shape of a Y in order to link London, the West Midlands, Manchester and Leeds with the East Midlands and South Yorkshire.

It is hoped that should this network be constructed - including links to existing train lines - it would generate £44 billion over the years, in addition to significantly reducing journey times to the capital.

Transport Secretary Philip Hammond said: "We must invest in Britain's future. High-speed rail offers us a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the way we travel in the 21st century and would help us build a modern economy fit for the future."

He added that the UK should not be left behind as nations in Europe and Asia continue to invest in high-speed rail.

A recent TNS-BMRB poll cited in the Metro revealed that nine per cent of Britons are against the planned HS2.

Posted by Mary Treen