Civils contractors today leant their backing to calls for the UK Government to ‘get HS2 done’ in order to kick-start the infrastructure revolution the British economy needs.
Commenting, Director of External Affairs for the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) Marie-Claude Hemming said: “HS2 is vital to this country’s future, and must act as a springboard for the infrastructure revolution the Government has promised.
“There are simply no alternative shovel-ready projects on the same scale in the pipeline, or other means of delivering growth in the economies of the Midlands and the North of England as rapidly, as this once-in-a-generation scheme.
“HS2 will create half a million jobs, 90,000 new homes, and 2,000 high-quality apprenticeships, changing lives for the better.
“We must refrain from characterising the decision to go ahead with HS2 as an either/or choice in terms of investment.
“HS2 must be delivered alongside Northern Powerhouse Rail and Midlands Engine Rail if it is to deliver the connectivity the UK needs, and act as a clear signal that the UK will be open for business once we have left the European Union.
“That’s why we are urging the new UK Government to hit the ground running in terms of infrastructure investment, by committing to the full delivery of HS2, Northern Powerhouse Rail, and Midlands Engine Rail.
“Together these schemes will form the backbone of a successful 21st century British economy for decades to come.”
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