Businesses in Birmingham are calling on the government to extend the HS2 line beyond the city, warning that stopping the project here could limit economic growth and weaken transport links. The High Speed Rail Group, made up of major industry players, is pushing for a connection to Crewe, arguing it’s vital to unlock HS2’s full benefits. With a Treasury spending review approaching, will the government reconsider?
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00:00The HS2 project was meant to improve rail travel across the UK, but the high-speed line
00:10is now set to stop in Birmingham. Businesses and industry leaders say this could limit
00:14its benefits and weaken transport links. The high-speed rail group, which includes firms
00:19like Arup, Hitachi and Alstom, is urging the government to fund an extension to Crewe.
00:24They argue this connection is crucial for unlocking economic growth and ensuring HS2
00:30delivers on its original goals. In a submission to the Treasury, the group outlined key recommendations.
00:37They want HS2 restructured as a Euston Crewe core, linking London to Crewe via Birmingham.
00:44They also propose a simpler, lower-cost design for Euston station and want land protections
00:49reinstated to prevent developments blocking future expansion. These protections were removed
00:54in early 2024, raising concerns that land set aside for HS2 could be lost. The group
01:01also suggests linking HS2 to the west coast mainline south of Crewe, which they believe
01:06could save money while improving connectivity. Without these changes, they warn that HS2's
01:12economic impact will be reduced. Jim Steer, one of the group's directors, says the extension
01:17is vital to avoid bottlenecks in Staffordshire and increase rail capacity. A Department for
01:23Transport spokesperson said the government remains committed to improving rail in the
01:28Midlands and north. HS2 plans are under review with further details expected soon. Businesses
01:34in Birmingham say the decision could shape the region's transporting economy for years
01:39to come.