Northern cities' business leaders questioned on economic impact of HS2
18 November 2014
The Economic Affairs Committee question business and civic leaders from Hull, Liverpool, the North-East and Mid-Yorkshire on the possible impact of HS2 on their regions. The Committee will also take evidence via videolink from Emile Quinet, an expert on France’s high speed trains.
- Parliament TV: The Economic Case for HS2
- Inquiry: The Economic Case for HS2
- Select Committee for Economic Affairs
Witnesses
At 3.35pm on Tuesday 18 November in Committee Room 2 of the Palace of Westminster
- Emile Quinet, expert on French high-speed trains, via video-link
At 4.30pm:
- Dr Ian Kelly, Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce
- Ross Smith, Director of Policy, North East Chamber of Commerce
- Joe Anderson, Mayor of Liverpool
- Steven Leigh, Mid-Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce
Questions
Questions in the first session will focus on the French experience of High Speed Trains and whether high speed rail has delivered the expected economic benefits in France.
Questions in the second session will focus on the impact of HS2 on the regions represented by the witnesses. The witnesses have different opinions with Joe Anderson having previously talked positively about the HS2’s potential impact on Liverpool while the Mid-Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce have said in written evidence to the Committee that there is no economic case for investment in HS2 as opposed to alternative railway designs.
Other areas the Committee will cover include the challenges with rail capacity in the respective regions of the witnesses, whether HS2 could help rebalance the UK economy to encourage economic growth in the North and what role improved east to west connections will play in ensuring HS2 is a success.