GB Railfreight calls on PM to approve HS2

GB Railfreight has penned an open letter to the Government, calling on it to approve the construction of HS2 “and to focus on the long-term benefits the project will deliver to not just the North, but for the country and the economy as a whole”.

The letter, which was signed by the UK’s biggest rail freight operating companies, including GB Railfreight, asked the Government to commit to high-speed rail and finally green light the project, a whole decade after it was originally proposed.

The letter highlights the importance of rail freight in tackling climate change. With the Government committed to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and hosting the COP26 Climate Summit in Glasgow later this year, it says HS2 “represents a unique opportunity to decarbonise much of the transport network”.

John Smith, Managing Director of GB Railfreight, and a signatory of the open letter, said: “Cancelling HS2 would result in the loss of jobs, investment and faith in the deliverability of large-scale infrastructure projects. Regional connectivity needs to be fully supported and it is especially important for the rail freight sector, as it helps unlock routes and opportunities for businesses to choose rail over road freight.”

“Delivering HS2 will, in the long term, support the UK’s regional cities and towns to prosper and connect to other surrounding areas. The Government should move quickly to green light the project rather than delay even further.”

For more information visit www.gbrailfreight.com

10th February 2020