Make UK comment on HS2 announcement

“Industry will applaud this bold, sensible and pragmatic decision which will help change the country for the better. For too long poor regional connectivity and, the UK’s creaking infrastructure, have been major contributors to the regional imbalance between the North and South, as well as the continuing poor productivity performance which urgently needs lifting.

“However, this was never an ‘either or’ decision favouring one project at the expense of other infrastructure investments including better East West links, especially across the Pennines. Government now has a once in a generation opportunity to develop a fully integrated transport plan for the whole country which it should grab with both hands.”