The government has announced additional investment in northern transport after deciding to cancel the northern link of the HS2 rail project.
The so-called ‘Network North’ scheme promises up to £36 billion worth of investment to improve road and rail connectivity across the North and Midlands.
Paul Cherpeau, chief executive of Liverpool Chamber, said:
“Businesses in the Liverpool City Region need certainty and connectivity to make investment decisions; the stop-start nature of the HS2 process and the shambolic approach to levelling-up has provided neither. A high-speed link between Birmingham and London certainly offers zero impetus to their ambitions.
“We are keen to hear more details of the newly-announced investment in the so-called Network North scheme and we welcome the news that the existing investment between Liverpool and Manchester is to be protected.
“While no infrastructure plan should be given a blank cheque, a city region the size of Liverpool requires a world-class transport network to improve connectivity with all corners of the UK and beyond.
“Business owners want to know that the government has a coherent plan to improve vital infrastructure that will directly support their businesses through the smoother movement of freight and people. Moreover, they will want to hear a solid commitment from the government that it will actually deliver on these latest investment promises after so many false dawns.”