Unions have today called on ministers to convene an “emergency summit” to resolve issues around the future of HS2.
In a joint statement – signed by the heads of the TUC, ASLEF, GMB, RMT, TSSA and Unite – the unions say key stakeholders must urgently be brought together to help get the project back on track.
Highlighting the risk of cancelling the second leg of HS2, the unions warn:
“The UK already trails much of Europe when it comes to high-speed rail infrastructure.
“While the likes of Spain, France and Germany all have extensive high-speed rail networks – the UK has managed just 70 miles worth of track.
“We are being left behind and it’s communities across the North and the Midlands that will pay the price.
“Delivering the northern leg of HS2 could create over 17,000 construction jobs in the Northwest alone. And it has the potential to double the economic output of Greater Manchester by 2050.
“These huge economic benefits must not be squandered because of ongoing Conservative incompetence.”
Stressing the potential risk to future infrastructure projects, the unions warn:
“Workers and business want a government committed to a proper industrial strategy.
“But the Tories’ constant chopping and changing shows complete disregard for economic development, levelling up and any long-term planning.
“Axing the second leg of HS2 would further undermine confidence in the UK’s ability to undertake and complete large-scale infrastructure projects. There are no viable alternatives to resolve the capacity crisis on our railways - HS2 must go ahead in its entirety.
“Reaching net zero will require a step change in investment and ambition. But the Conservatives are struggling to build even 250 miles of high-speed railway.”
Calling for an emergency summit, the unions say:
“Ministers must urgently convene an emergency summit that brings together HS2, key contractors, trade unions and mayors in the devolved authorities.
“This is best way to find a solution that will deliver the benefits for commuters, business and for communities in the country. And to ensure that HS2 secures and creates good, unionised jobs and adds value to UK supply chains.”
Full statement:
“We are deeply concerned by reports that northern leg of HS2 will be cancelled and that the Southern leg will also not be built to Euston station.
“The UK already trails much of Europe when it comes to high-speed rail infrastructure.
“While Spain, France and Germany all have extensive high-speed rail networks – the UK has managed just 70 miles worth of track. We are being left behind and its communities across the North that will pay the price.
“Delivering the northern leg of HS2 could create over 17,00 construction jobs in the North West alone, not to mention the vital orders to steelmakers at sites including Scunthorpe that will provide rail for the project. And it has the potential to double the economic output of Greater Manchester by 2050.
“These huge benefits must not be squandered because of government incompetence.
“Workers and business want a government committed to a proper industrial strategy.
“But the Tories’ constant chopping and changing shows complete disregard for economic development, levelling up and any long-term planning.
“Axing the second leg of HS2 would further undermine confidence in the UK’s ability to undertake and complete large-scale infrastructure projects.
“Reaching net zero will require a step change in investment and ambition. But the Conservatives are struggling to build even 250 miles of high-speed railway.
“Ministers must urgently convene an emergency summit that brings together HS2, key contractors, trade unions and mayors in the devolved authorities.
“This is best way to find a solution that will deliver the benefits for commuters, business and for communities in the country. And to ensure that HS2 secures and creates good, unionised jobs and adds value to UK supply chains.”
Paul Nowak, General Secretary, TUC
Mick Whelan, General Secretary, ASLEF
Gary Smith, General Secretary, GMB
Mick Lynch, General Secretary, RMT
Peter Pendle, Interim General Secretary, TSSA
Sharon Graham, General Secretary, Unite
High Speed rail lengths (km) by country: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1265995/length-of-highspeed-railway-lines-in-use-worldwide-by-country/
- About the TUC: The Trades Union Congress (TUC) exists to make the working world a better place for everyone. We bring together the 5.5 million working people who make up our 48 member unions. We support unions to grow and thrive, and we stand up for everyone who works for a living.
Contacts:
TUC press office
media@tuc.org.uk
020 7467 1248
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