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HS2 'essential for the UK' economy, say MPs

The controversial HS2 railway is "essential for the UK", with pros far outweighing cons, MPs have said. The transport committee urged the Government to consider building the two phases of the rail link from London to the north, at the same time.

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MPs: HS2 will meet 'growing demand' for train use

HS2 will deliver "the step change in capacity" needed to support growing demand from both passengers and freight, according to the head of the transport committee.

Chairwoman Louise Ellman said if taxpayers were to reap the full benefits of HS2, it was "vital" links were improved between regular and high-speed rail networks.

We remain confident that construction of a new high speed line is the only way to deliver the step change in capacity on the West Coast Main Line needed to accommodate long-term demand for both passengers and rail freight.

If we are to spread the benefits from HS2 as widely as possible, it is vital we improve links between the conventional and high-speed networks and bring forward projects to speed up journey times on the conventional network.

– transport select committee chairwoman louise ellman

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