A LOST OPPORTUNITY TO UNLOCK THE REGION’S POTENTIAL – SOUTH YORKSHIRE MCA TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENT BOARD CO-CHAIR ON THE INTEGRATED RAIL PLAN ANNOUNCEMENT

Published 19 November 2021 at 12:41pm

Responding to the Government’s Integrated Rail Plan, Co-Chair of Transport and Environment Board at South Yorkshire MCA, Peter Kennan said:

“Despite the welcome news that HS2 trains will serve Sheffield and that the Midland Main Line will be electrified, businesses in South Yorkshire will be disappointed by the Integrated Rail Plan and it is undoubtedly a blow for the region’s economy. It falls far short of the investment needed to get South Yorkshire moving and build better transport connections across the North to Leeds, Manchester and Hull. 

“Our Strategic Economic Plan is proudly built on an ambition to create a stronger, greener, fairer South Yorkshire and our region is a major national and international player in advanced manufacturing and engineering, new technology including hydrogen, nuclear fusion, health and wellbeing, and much more.

“Today’s decision is a lost opportunity to unlock the region’s potential and transform our competitiveness on the national stage. It means of the full benefits of HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail in terms of thousands of new jobs, regeneration of our towns and investment in our economy are not being realised.

“Alongside the Mayor, we will continue to demonstrate the strong economic case for further investment from government, so we can improve our local and regional transport network and deliver for South Yorkshire’s people, businesses, and places.”