Over 120 senior business leaders from within the Northern Powerhouse and Midlands have signed an open letter to Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, urging him to commit to HS2 in full.

The letter, published on behalf of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, outlines the importance of completing HS2 right through to the Midlands and the North of England, as recommended.

Touching on post-Brexit investment and skilled jobs for young people, the letter refers to HS2 as a ‘once-in-a-generation’ opportunity to level up the UK economy.

Other benefits of the project outlined are increased capacity on the rail networks, new labour markets and the creation of more than 500,000 jobs.

Following recent criticism over the rising costs of HS2 , the cost is also addressed in the letter, stating that it needs to be kept ‘under control’ but that the regional economic impact has not been fully captured.

The letter finishes by saying

“Creating fast, frequent, reliable journeys between the Midlands to the North will create significant opportunities for businesses. Linking the East Midlands, for example, and Birmingham to Leeds, Newcastle and Liverpool and their neighbouring towns could be an economic gamechanger. As is allowing 10 million people access to Manchester Airport as the global gateway to the North, alongside better access to Birmingham and wider regional airports, making better use of the UKs existing runway capacity.”

“The potential to redraw the economic performance of the whole country is in your hands. We urge you not to squander this golden opportunity to create a fairer, balanced UK economy that works for everyone.”

Signatories include Charlie Cornish - CEO Manchester Airport Group, Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell – President and Vice-Chancellor University of Manchester, Miranda Barker – Chief Executive East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce and Henri Murison Director of Northern Powerhouse Partnership. 

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