Responding to the publication of the government's Integrated Rail Plan, Chris Richards, ICE Director of Policy, said:
“Today's decision on HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail will be a blow for many. Decisions are always subject to political review, but it has taken us 12 years to get nowhere - we have to make the next 12 about progress.
“The detailed background work for the schemes mentioned today has already been done, we can therefore shift right away to planning and ensuring we are maximising public benefit. We expect to see a delivery plan in the next 12 months, otherwise today's announcement is a further step on the journey to nowhere.”
“Today's decision on HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail will be a blow for many. Decisions are always subject to political review, but it has taken us 12 years to get nowhere - we have to make the next 12 about progress.
“The detailed background work for the schemes mentioned today has already been done, we can therefore shift right away to planning and ensuring we are maximising public benefit. We expect to see a delivery plan in the next 12 months, otherwise today's announcement is a further step on the journey to nowhere.”
