HS2 future is bright if government grasps the nettle - TSSA

TSSA, the recognised union for staff directly employed by High Speed 2 (HS2), has said the future of the rail project is bright but called on the government to redouble its commitment to making it a reality.  

The move comes after an official watchdog - the Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA) – gave HS2 a red warning rating for its first two phases, from London to Birmingham then onto Crewe.  

Commenting, TSSA Interim General Secretary, Peter Pendle said: “While not ignoring the warnings from this watchdog we are well aware from our members that significant work is going on each day to push this most important project forward.  

“Creating high speed rail links between London and central and Northern England has multiple benefits for our country in the medium to long term. Not only is HS2 a real green commitment, not only does it provide tens of thousands of jobs, but it also supercharges local, regional and national economies.  

“Without HS2 Britain will be left behind when other major countries have already had the benefits of high speed rail for many years. HS2 will overhaul our creaking transport system after more than two decades of failed privatisation.  

“If there are concerns about delivering on the huge infrastructure involved in HS2 the government needs to address those and grasp the nettle. However this remains a golden opportunity to deliver a state-of-the-art railway for Britain which will cut carbon emissions and fight climate change.”