An innovative analysis of transport links across the United
Kingdom has been hailed as a potential ‘economic and lifestyle
game-changer’ by , Secretary of
State for Scotland.
Mr Jack’s comments come ahead of the publication of the final
recommendations from Sir Peter Hendy’s Union Connectivity Review
(UCR). The Scottish Secretary will take part in a roundtable
discussion of the UCR and its implications at the Conservative
Party Conference in Manchester tomorrow (Tuesday).
Said Mr Jack: ‘For the first time, we have taken a comprehensive
look at connectivity across the UK as a whole. Sir Peter has
identified key strategic corridors, the arteries through which
the economic lifeblood of this country courses.
‘His approach has not been to look at transport links
individually, but rather to understand how they interconnect and
interact, regardless of borders.
‘Evaluating road, rail, air and sea links in this holistic
fashion can help us address the too-often sclerotic nature of
transport today.
‘I firmly believe this innovative methodology can shape transport
links which work better for business. That’s good for the
companies involved, good for their customers, good for the
environment, and a potential economic game-changer as we strive
to level up communities right across the country.
‘It also offers hope for people who currently have to endure
grinding commutes and the misery of unreliable transport options.
‘Transport touches us all and Britons deserve connectivity fit
for the 21st Century. In Sir Peter’s work, I firmly believe that
we have a blueprint to deliver exactly that.’
Tomorrow’s roundtable event will be chaired by Baroness , and will
feature Tony Danker, Director General of the CBI. Conference
delegates will have the opportunity to ask questions in person or
online.
The event will also feature a video highlighting the significance
of Scotland’s cross-border links. It includes contributions from
Transport Secretary , Scottish Conservative leader , and key stakeholders.
Notes to Editors:
Sir Peter Hendy, Chairman of Network Rail, has assessed transport
connections and networks in, and between, Scotland, England,
Wales, and Northern Ireland. He delivered an interim report in
March and his full Union Connectivity Review is expected to be
published soon.
Sir Peter’s remit was to assess the quality and availability of
transport and how it can support economic growth, levelling up
communities across Britain, and deliver an improvement in quality
of life.
The Review is expected to deliver a series of substantive
recommendations that seek to address inequalities in connectivity
and economic potential in Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern
Ireland.
The Review will also consider the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic
which has significantly disrupted economic and social activity
and the subsequent demand for travel across the UK.
The discussion will be preceded by a video considering the
significance of Scottish cross-Border links. It features
Secretary of State for Transport , Scottish Conservative leader , Scottish Borders Council Leader and key stakeholders.
was a
member of the European Parliament for Scotland between 2017 and
2020.
Tony Danker joined the CBI in November 2020, His career spans a
variety of senior roles in business, media and government.
