Statement Re: HS2 speculation

3 October 2023

In a joint statement, the leader and deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, councillors Sam Corcoran and Craig Browne, said today: “Continued speculation around the future of HS2 north of Birmingham and Northern Powerhouse Rail is deeply worrying – particularly as we are yet to receive a reply from the Prime Minister to our letter sent last week, which called for an urgent meeting before any decision is made on this vital rail infrastructure.

“The lack of communication from Government with local stakeholders is not acceptable. The continued speculation has ramifications for Cheshire East and its plans, the wider region, and our communities. It is making long-term strategic infrastructure planning impossible, and eroding business confidence to invest.

“We will continue to monitor and make enquiries about the current position of HS2 to Crewe and Manchester and work with our partners across the North to seek answers from Government.

“We remain clear in our position that delivering Phase 2a and 2b of HS2 in full, as planned, is critical to unlocking the North’s full economic potential and ensuring that the serious capacity issues across the northern rail network are addressed.”