News: 29th January 2013

The Forum of Private Business (Forum) has thrown its support behind the government's proposals to extend the high-speed two (HS2) railway line to Manchester and Leeds.

Yesterday (January 28th), plans were unveiled for a 211-mile northern phase of HS2 after confirmation last year of proposals to create a line between London and Birmingham.

Public consultation will now be brought forward to this year as ministers look to get started with the project, something that is likely to bring more businesses and jobs across the country in the next few decades.

Head of Policy at the Forum, Alex Jackman, said that these are the kind of "long-term decisions a government must make for the good of the country".

He added: "The government must now work to clearly communicate nationally the business case for such an important project, whilst locally demonstrating how such a project will bring economic benefits to the regions, rather than draining them towards London."

It comes after ministers suggested last week that broadband speeds could be improved with the construction of HS2, allowing internet lines to be run alongside tracks.

Posted by Thomas Fletcher