Resurrect HS2 northern leg to boost rail freight capacity, say UK manufacturers | Rail industry
By: Phillip Inman | Published: 2025-07-21 05:00:00 | Source: www.theguardian.com
Manufacturers will press ministers today to resurrect plans for a high-speed rail line reaching Leeds and Manchester as part of a large strategic investment to get lorries off Britain’s roads and cut emissions.
Business lobby group Make UK and Barclays Corporate Bank said research showed companies believe the move would significantly increase passenger numbers and free up capacity for rail freight on existing lines.
A survey of 200 manufacturers showed that nine in 10 believe the original high-speed rail line HS2 should still go ahead, while a similar number said there should be greater investment in faster connections between Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield, Hull and Newcastle.
HS2 has suffered huge cost overruns and is being overhauled under new management. The transport minister,…
