Member Article

Lord Deighton’s HS2 report "positive response" to Yorkshire issues with the project

Lord Deighton’s HS2 report has been welcomed by Leeds City Council leaders.

“High Speed 2: Get Ready” details how the country can prepare for the arrival of HS2 and thus reap the benefits it would bring.

It focuses on three main topics – how the country’s transport network, workers and businesses can make the most of opportunities brought forward by high-speed rail.

Lord Deighton is the chair of the HS2 Growth Taskforce, who last week published a report urging the government to appoint a dedicated coordinating body and minister to the project.

It also said: “Our recommendations call on the Government to make railway engineering and advanced construction skills a national priority.

“We require a long-term pipeline of skilled people and the younger generation will need both good information and the right educational routes if they are to take advantage of the potential opportunities.”

Leader of Leeds City Council, councillor Keith Wakefield, said: “This report once again demonstrates the importance of getting HS2 right in the north. We are now seeing a positive response to many of the issues raised by northern cities.

“That progress is reflected in the recent commitment to start work years earlier on the new station in Leeds.

“Improving connectivity between northern cities would provide a massive boost to the national and regional economy, and encourage long-term sustainable growth.

“What is more an infrastructure project of this size has the potential to deliver thousands of new job and training opportunities – we want to ensure our region reaps the benefit of those opportunities.

The report recommends the Government should state by the end of the year how HS2 will affect rail services for the whole country not just those with stations on the line.

Tom Riordan, chief executive of Leeds City Council, said: “Leeds is capable of enormous economic growth – we have invested £2.5billion in major development projects in the last 10 years and we are committed to delivering an iconic new station on the city’s waterfront.

“HS2 is not just about getting from London to Leeds faster. It could bring a whole generation well-paid careers as well as a legacy of other economic benefits.

“It is fantastic to hear that development of a skills and construction college should be a priority by the end of the year, which we would of course like to see come to Leeds.

“We will do everything we can to link the new work force to HS2 jobs.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .