There was an interesting article in the Independent on Sunday yesterday, which proves that the Transport Secretary Philip Hammond is fully committed to driving forward with a High speed Rail Network for the UK – this is great news. This is a Liberal Democrat policy, and I am sure his Junior Transport Minister Norman Baker fully endorses it with the same degree of vigour. Hopefully, there will be no nimbyism within the Liberal Democrat ranks.  

Today’s article in the Independent on Sunday, titled ‘High-speed rail will fast-track the economy’ was written by Philip Hammond, he wrote;

Building a balanced and low-carbon economy that can drive Britain’s future growth and prosperity is the Government’s biggest priority. That is why, over the past 10 months, we have taken action to tackle the debt that we inherited, and set out a programme of investment to support economic recovery and create jobs.

Tomorrow, I will launch a consultation on the Government’s proposals for a future national high-speed rail network – a project that promises to transform links between our major cities, and deliver exactly the sort of long-term economic shot in the arm that Britain needs to compete effectively in the 21st century. Indeed, I believe a national high-speed rail network from London to Birmingham – and onward to Leeds and Manchester – can change the way Britain works as profoundly as the coming of the original railways in the 19th century.

It is a tribute but also an irony that the robustness of this system meant successive post-war governments failed to invest in our railway infrastructure – with the result that the modern network faces a very substantial capacity challenge.

Between 1994 and 2009, the number of miles travelled by rail passengers in Britain soared – from 18 billion to 32 billion; and demand is predicted to go on rising. Network Rail estimates demand on the West Coast Main Line route between London and Manchester will grow by around 60 per cent between now and 2024 – yet even today passengers stand on large parts of some journeys.

Ignoring the problem is simply not an option. More passengers would be forced on to short-haul air services or the road network, generating ever-rising levels of carbon. Intercity travel in Britain would become increasingly slow and unreliable, undermining the economies of our major cities and regions.

The evidence from abroad is that high-speed rail is the only effective sustainable answer to our intercity transport challenges. Many of our competitors recognise the huge benefits of high-speed rail, and are pressing ahead with ambitious plans. Britain cannot afford to be left behind.

To read the remainder of the article view HERE.

Commenting on proposals before the General Election in August, 2009 the then Liberal Democrat Shadow Transport Secretary, Norman Baker said: “It is welcome that Network Rail is increasingly looking to grow the network, rather than simply handle what is already there.”

“There is no doubt that we need to expand the network over the next 20 years if we are to deal with both increased demand and reduce carbon emissions from transport.

“That means not simply investment in high speed rail, but also the reopening of lines and stations that should never have been closed.

“All three major parties now say they are committed to high speed rail, but such promises need to be taken with a pinch of salt unless it is clear how they are to be funded. Only the Liberal Democrats have identified a clear funding stream to guarantee that high speed rail goes ahead.”

In the sentiments of Norman Baker, it is crucial that all three major political parties show leadership on High Speed Rail investment, and don’t give way to nimbyism.