Connectivity review welcomed by region’s transport leaders

Regional transport body, Transport for the North (TfN) has welcomed a government review into transport and inter-regional connectivity in the UK.

Network Rail boss, Sir Peter Hendy, will chair the Union Connectivity Review, and work with devolved governments and local leaders to explore how road, rail, air and sea links can be improved to aid economic recovery throughout the UK’s nations and regions following the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Recommendations of the review will be published in Summer 2021 and inform where national government should prioritise infrastructure investment.

TfN’s Chief Executive, Barry White, welcomed the review and expressed willingness to make the case for investment in the North’s infrastructure to boost prosperity in the region. He said:

We welcome the Union Connectivity Review and the appointment of Sir Peter Hendy to lead it.

“As part of the Government’s levelling-up agenda the review should focus on the ways in which a decades-spanning investment pipeline can boost economic recovery and help our communities prosper.

“Our Strategic Transport Plan for the North sets out how to increase connectivity with both Wales and Scotland in particular – and we’ve been collaborating with decision-makers across the borders to ensure we’re joined-up in our priorities for road, rail, and sea connections.

“Our work has already identified ways in which our communities can be more prosperous and better served by cross-border infrastructure between now and 2050 – creating more job opportunities and boosting productivity.

“We believe building both HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail in full are a key way to boost connectivity both within our region and across borders with the rest of the UK.

“We’ll be sure to provide a strong Northern voice on behalf of our civic and business leaders into the process and support Sir Peter Hendy in his review.”

TfN’s statement comes following the publication of terms of reference for the connectivity review by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps. The review was first announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson in June.