By Next phase of HS2 rail network to go ahead
The next phase of the HS2 high speed rail network has been approved and was given Royal Assent on Thursday.
A year since the prime minister announced that HS2 would be built, phase 2A of the project will be built from the West Midlands to Crewe.
Many supporters of the new network say it will boost economy and provide greener transport however those against the project have said it will increase carbon emissions.
Those against the network have added: “It can’t be justified now people have embraced video conferencing such as Zoom.”
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Whatever your view of this project, HS2 is now a reality, heading north, creating jobs and building a brighter future for our country.
“This vital project is at the heart of the government’s commitments to build back better from the pandemic, tackle the North-South divide and drive growth across the country.”
The first phase of HS2 between London and the West Midlands is already well underway.
There are now 240 sites active along the Phase One route.
HS2 says it employs over 13,000 people with 400 apprenticeships, and tens of thousands more jobs supported through the supply chain, massively decreasing unemployment rates.
They have added: “Passenger services won’t start on the first parts of the line until at least 2029.”
