Theresa May says her government remains committed to HS2
Theresa May has said her government "remains committed" to delivering HS2 after concerns were raised by prominent figures in the West Midlands.
Sir John Peace, the chairman of Midlands Connect and Midlands Engine, penned a letter to Mrs May calling on her to publicly back HS2 in the wake of public pressure against the controversial scheme.
His letter was co-signed by Wolverhampton Council leader and West Midlands Combined Authority transport boss Roger Lawrence, Staffordshire County Council leader Philip Atkins, and Dudley Council leader Qadar Zada
The signatories had become concerned that confidence from the government in the project was waning due to its spiralling cost and the departure of former HS2 Ltd chair Sir Terry Morgan.
The letter, penned in January, also called on Mrs May, Jeremy Corbyn, Sir Vince Cable and Nicola Sturgeon to "unite" and make sure Phase Two of the project – linking the West Midlands to the north of England – goes ahead.
In response the Prime Minister reaffirmed her government’s commitment to delivering the whole of HS2 Phase Two.
She said to Sir John: "I am writing to thank you and your co-signatories for your letter of January 24.
"I welcome your continued support for HS2, and recognise the extent to which the benefits of the scheme are already being felt.
"I would like to take this opportunity to assure you that the Government remains committed to delivering the whole of HS2 Phase 2 and will continue to work closely with you to ensure that the project meets your aspirations for growth and regeneration."
Sir John said: “The government has sent the Midlands and the north a strong, positive message: HS2 is happening, it’s already a huge catalyst for growth, and it supports major upgrades to the existing rail network through the work of Midlands Connect and Northern Powerhouse Rail.
“During a crucial transitional period for the country, and with the comprehensive spending review due this autumn, it is our responsibility as business and civic leaders to keep making the case for HS2.
"It is essential to the economic futures of the Midlands and the North, and we are building our growth plans around it. Now is not the time to falter.”
Phase one of HS2, linking London and Birmingham, is already well underway with phase 2a, linking the West Midlands, Crewe and Manchester, expected to achieve Royal Assent later this year.
Phase 2b will link the West Midlands, East Midlands, South Yorkshire and Leeds.
