Commenting
on the Institute of Director's description of HS2 as a grand folly, Midlands
TUC Regional Secretary, Rob Johnston commented:
"It
was disheartening to see that the Institute of Directors yesterday dismissed
HS2 as a 'grand folly.' However,
I can understand why people may be seduced by the seemingly attractive decision
to "save" £50bn by scrapping HS2. At a time when cuts dramatically
impacting upon public services and the public facing the strongest squeeze on
living standards, it is understandable that people can look at the £50bn project
and identify an easy way to plaster over the cracks in other areas of public
expenditure that are being squeezed.
"However,
to raid the HS2 budget would be the grandest folly of all. It would be yet
another example of short sightedness that has crippled the UK economy for far
too long. HS2 represents medium term investment that secures long term,
sustainable economic returns. And let us look at some of the projections:
400,000 jobs as a result of HS2, with 20,000 construction jobs for 15 years and
a boost to economic performance that means the cost of HS2 would be recovered
in just two years.
"The
benefits to the Midlands regional economy are clear with the transformational
benefits potentially profound. That is why supporters of HS2 must keep banging
the drum and pointing out the benefits for our economy and the opportunities
HS2 will bring for the people who live here.
"Despite
the IoD’s comments, it was great to see that the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce
have today come out so strongly in support. What is clear is that there is
industrial support for HS2 here in the Midlands - and that speaks volumes.
Business and union leaders here in the region know that we need HS2.
"Let us not be distracted.
Let us secure jobs and growth and grasp this moment of opportunity, reject
short termism and not squander this inheritance and commit, what would be, the
truly grandest folly of all."
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