HS2

HS2 to boost Scottish economy by £3bn

Scotland could receive a £3bn economic boost through HS2, by bringing it closer to England’s main cities, transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin is to say.

Speaking to business leaders in Glasgow today, the minister will explain how investment in the rail sector over the next five years, with projects like Northern Hub, will improve links between Glasgow and Manchester, in addition to running larger, more reliable trains on the East Coast mainline.

He is also expected to point out that, in the last year alone, the Scottish government has invested almost £600m in rail infrastructure. This includes the electrification of the Glasgow to Cumbernauld line and new stations at Haymarket and Dalmarnock.

McLoughlin will point out, though, that the biggest change, which will stimulate the largest amount of economic activity, will be the start of HS2 in three years – creating the ‘first north-south railway for a generation’.

“By cutting the journey times from Edinburgh and Glasgow to cities in England, HS2 will boost the Scottish economy by around £3bn,” McLoughlin will say. “Our objective is a national network that will bring the constituent parts of the UK closer together.”

However, earlier this year, Scottish first minister Alex Salmond criticised the current plans for high speed rail saying it lacks high ambition for Scotland and for the north of England.

Tell us what you think – have your say below or email [email protected]