Faster road and rail links to
Scotland, upgrades to Welsh railways and new connections between
Great Britain and Northern Ireland are among the range of
potential projects to be considered in first of a kind study into
improving transport infrastructure across the United Kingdom,
launched by the Prime Minister today [Saturday 3 October].
Led by Sir Peter Hendy CBE, chair of Network
Rail, the independent review will look at how to boost transport
infrastructure across Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and
England – improving connections, creating new ones, and bringing
communities closer together to level up access to jobs and
opportunities.
Prime Minister said:
“The United Kingdom is the greatest political partnership the
world has ever seen, and we need transport links between our
nations that are as strong as our historic bonds.
“Quality transport links are the key to making sure everyone can
access education, jobs and housing, helping businesses to grow
and thrive and rebalancing opportunity fairly across our
country.
“As we build back better from the pandemic, Sir Peter’s review
will help make sure we have the right connections to support,
sustain and strengthen our communities – to truly level up across
the UK.”
Working closely with the Devolved Administrations and local
authorities and set to cover road, rail, air and sea links, the
study will provide independent, honest advice on a wide range of
possible options to improve the quality and availability of
transport links across the UK, including by looking at the
potential feasibility and economic case of options for:
- Reviewing air links within the UK
- Exploring the cost, practicality and demand for a new fixed
link between Great Britain and Northern Ireland
- Boosting road and rail links to Scotland
- Cutting journey times to North Wales by reviewing the Welsh
railway network
- Improving major road links across the country, like the A1
Transport Secretary said:
“Connecting our towns, cities and communities through better
transport links is at the heart of this Government’s work to fuel
our economic recovery.
“That’s why we need to look at how we can improve the transport
landscape across the UK, levelling up people’s access to work and
education, and bringing communities closer together.
“I’m pleased Sir Peter Hendy will be leading this important
review, using his years of knowledge and experience to help us
assess how we can boost key transport links to strengthen ties
across the UK.”
Sir Peter brings extensive experience and knowledge to the role
with over 45 years working in the transport sector – including as
Chair of Network Rail and successfully running London’s transport
network during the Olympics.
Sir Peter Hendy CBE said:
“Connectivity drives economic growth, jobs and housing.
“Improving links across the UK on the basis of the wider economic
benefits that increased investment will deliver will be of
benefit to everyone in the UK, and I'm thus very pleased to lead
this work.”
The review will also look to the future – considering the role of
future technologies and assessing environmental impacts of
current and future infrastructure. Sir Peter will be expected to
publish his final recommendations in Summer 2021, to include
advice on how best to improve connections, and whether that
includes the need to invest in additional infrastructure by the
UK Government.
Today’s announcement follows a recent pledge by the UK Government
to bring forward funding to accelerate infrastructure projects in
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – working with the devolved
administrations, the UK Government will identify opportunities
for ‘spades in the ground’ ready projects to help build up
communities and create jobs quicker for people across the United
Kingdom.
~ Ends ~
Editor’s notes
