YES to High Speed Rail

Today, a group of 70 cross-party MPs have released a report concluding that only a new high-speed rail line will create enough rail capacity in the long-term. The report is the end result of a four month long parliamentary inquiry by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for High Speed Rail. In response, a spokesperson for the Campaign for High Speed Rail, said:

“At a time when HS2’s opponents are ramping up their efforts to blacklist the project, this report is a timely reminder that the real issue at stake is how to create enough capacity on our train network.

“Today, 70 cross-party MPs have concluded that a patch and mend approach so cherished by HS2’s opponents is simply not enough to ensure that our railways will still be working efficiently in twenty years’ time.

“Despite being in the midst of a recession, it is clear from the evidence that the number of passengers using the railways is far exceeding all predictions and that this is set to continue. The capacity crunch on the West Coast Main Line is literally a ticking time bomb that only a new high-speed line can defuse.”

Notes

1. The Campaign for High Speed Rail is the national campaign supported by businesses, industury and trade unions across the UK. You can learn more about the campaign on our website: www.campaignforhsr.com
2. We have spokespeople available for interview upon request. For more information or to arrange an interview please call Lucy James on 07758 019 351 or email lucy@campaignforhsr.com.

ENDS