The failure to upgrade transport links has left people in Leeds feeling let down and disappointed - Richard Thorp

The message from Leeds residents was clear: people believe the city is falling behind. The Government has over-promised transport upgrades and then under-delivered – as one participant of the focus groups put it, it’s a “kick in the teeth”.

Not only do residents of Leeds feel left behind in comparison to the South, but also in comparison to the rest of Europe. Transport was frequently identified as a top priority for the Government to resolve and the cynicism around HS2 ever being delivered to Leeds was stark.

The Government needs to reassure the North that their transport infrastructure is being considered a matter of priority. The Government’s study into bringing HS2 to Leeds must be the first step in overcoming the sense of neglect our research has uncovered.

Since the day the Integrated Rail Plan was published in November 2021, we have been very clear that to unleash the full benefits of HS2 - increased rail capacity, reduced carbon, and boosting the nation’s connectivity - the scheme needs to be delivered in full, including Phase 2b. Only by delivering high speed rail across the north, including to cities like Leeds, can we truly unlock the jobs, investment and economic growth HS2 was designed to deliver. We know big projects like HS2 typically outperform benefit projections calculated under Treasury guidelines when delivered – just look at the new Elizabeth Line in London.

Cities, towns, and communities across Yorkshire, Humberside and North East England that could be served by HS2 are being dealt a minimum 18 month hiatus before learning what the favoured plan is for the eastern side of the country. Suggestions that delaying parts of the project save money are simply false. In fact, they will cost taxpayers nearly half a billion. While much work is still underway on HS2, we urge all concerned to ensure this hiatus to sections of the line to Leeds is kept as short as possible to minimise the damage of this prolonged uncertainty to this hugely important part of the national economy. Ultimately, the cheapest way to deliver HS2 and garner its expected boost to the national economy is quickly.

Given the makeup of our membership, our group understands better than most the complexity of planning and delivering infrastructure projects of such significant scale - but we are anxious that no city or region feels left behind by HS2. Increased capacity across the national rail network is a key benefit of HS2. Further delay would mean trains continue to compete for space on existing lines and in light of recent travel disruption, failing to fast-track delivery of HS2 to Leeds would be a missed opportunity.

Richard Thorp is a board director at High Speed Rail Group.