The case for building a new line north of Birmingham remains strong

The West Coast mainline railway between Birmingham and Manchester links two of the UK’s largest cities. 

Through this link economic activity prospers, connecting the Midlands and the Northwest, two of Britain’s GDP powerhouses.

But it’s full. That’s why HS2 was first proposed – to add much-needed extra rail capacity.

In his time as PM, Rishi Sunak oversaw the scrapping of the new HS2 line north of Birmingham due to cost pressures. 

Now, after a year-and-a-half in power, Labour voices are demanding a U-turn on this decision. Government is tipped to be on the cusp of recommitting, albeit any actual new railway would still be two decades away.

West Coast main line is full – Britain needs more rail capacity

Extending HS2 to Manchester will deliver much-needed extra rail capacity on the country’s busiest transport corridor, easing pressure on roads and on an already-full West Coast main line. 

That’s always been a case for doing it. And the case remains. But the costs have, unforgivably, spiralled out of control.

Mayor Burnham welcomes the idea of HS2 coming to Manchester

The Birmingham-Manchester section of HS2 is now the vital southern anchor for Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR), argue the likes of Manchester’s Labour mayor, Andy Burnham. 

This new line ensures the North isn’t an island. By integrating with NPR’s proposed underground hub at Manchester Piccadilly, the route creates a seamless “Northern Growth Corridor.” This isn’t just a replacement for HS2; it’s the backbone of a unified network linking north and south, and – in the north of the country – east to west.

Burnham said: “Finally, we have a government with an ambitious vision for the North, firm commitment to Northern Powerhouse Rail and an openness to an underground station in Manchester city centre.” 

‘Disastrous decision to curtail the progress of HS2 beyond Birmingham’

The debate on this has raged for many years. And it will rage on for many more. People have concerns over the cost, disruption to local communities and the environmental impact. But, ultimately, the case for linking London to Birmingham to Manchester remains. 

Raj Kandola, acting deputy CEO at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “This development is a key first step towards readdressing the disastrous decision to curtail the progress of HS2 beyond Birmingham.

“However, the Government will need to learn from previous mistakes and ensure a realistic and cost-effective delivery plan is set out to give businesses the assurance they need to invest.”

Right now, this is all just noise. Let’s see whether words become action.