As part of the Coalition's "long term economic plan" for the north, the Prime Minister and Chancellor today gave their backing to develop HS3 - a high speed rail link connecting the north's great cities which could significantly reduce journey times across the region.
The Prime Minister and the Chancellor were responding to a report published by HS2 Chairman Sir David Higgins which sets out proposals for how to maximise the benefits of HS2 in the north and how transport links can be improved in the north of England more widely. In the report, Sir David identifies the vital importance of improving east west connectivity across the north and considers the central role a high speed rail link could play. He concludes that with a high speed link the journey time between Leeds and Manchester could be cut from around 55 to between 26 and 34 minutes.
The Prime Minister and the Chancellor have also welcomed Sir David Higgins' recommendation that co-operation on transport issues should be formalised in the north. In response the Chancellor announced the creation of a new body called Transport for the North made up of the main northern city regions. This body will work together with other authorities and stakeholders and allow the north to speak with one voice on the big decisions to benefit the region as a whole.
The Government, working with Transport for the North, will now produce a comprehensive transport strategy for the region. This will include options, costs and a delivery timetable for a HS3 east west rail connection. An interim report will be produced next March.
By combining the strengths of the north's great cities, the Government believes that the proposals will help transform the economy of the north of England and play a key role in delivering a Northern Powerhouse.
The Government is also launching a review into the costs and time it takes to build high speed rail, drawing on international experience to find ways to bring down the costs of Phase Two and future high speed rail projects.
The report from Sir David Higgins also gives strong backing to the case for Phase Two of HS2 and sets out proposals to maximise its benefits. His proposals include bringing forward plans for a hub station at Crewe to 2027 and a fundamental review of the right solution for Leeds station to allow connections between HS2, existing rail services and improved east west connections. The Government will set out its detailed plans for Phase Two in 2015.
Prime Minister David Cameron said: "Improving connectivity and reducing journey times between our great northern cities is a crucial part of our long term economic plan for the north to boost businesses and create more jobs and security for hardworking people. That's why we are backing HS3. I welcome Sir David Higgins' report which will help our work to create a Northern Powerhouse and ensure that HS2 delivers the maximum economic benefits."
Chancellor George Osborne said: "The vision I set out earlier this year of the Northern Powerhouse we could build is rapidly taking shape. I asked Sir David Higgins to look at how we deliver the better transport links across the north that would make a reality of that powerhouse. I'm delighted with the rapid response and the report. Today we take another big step forward in delivering both the HS2 links from north to south and the HS3 link across the Pennines. On the back of new transport infrastructure, science investment and civic leadership we are well on our way to turning the Northern Powerhouse into reality."
Responding Shadow Transport Secretary, Mary Creagh , said: "Labour supports high-speed rail to tackle commuter overcrowding and to improve connections between cities in the north and Midlands and London. We have repeatedly said we need value for money for the taxpayer and to improve the existing plans to maximise the benefits for the whole country.
"Hard-pressed travellers in the north will judge David Cameron on his actions, not words. Under his Tory-led Government rail fares have risen recently by up to 162 per cent for northern rail passengers, and there are plans to cut vital east-west services from Cleethorpes, Grimsby and Scunthorpe to Manchester. Only a Labour government will cap rail fares, legislate for a public sector operator, devolve the running of regional and local services and deliver a railway which puts passengers first."
