Wednesday 13 September 2017

London business body supports a 'Crossrail for the North'

London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has called on the government to seriously explore the construction of the so-called 'Crossrail for the North' rail line.

LCCI believes that it is in the best interests of the whole UK if strategic transport infrastructure is not concentrated mainly in the southeast area.

Policy Director of London Chamber of Commerce, Sean McKee said: "London is heading towards megacity status with 10million people by 2030, and while we seek the right infrastructure here, it is important that the rest of the country continues to grow as well.

At present, cross-country travelling between the great northern cities of Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield is a tortuous, time consuming experience. That is not good for business or Britain plc.

Those city areas have a collective population of 9million - similar to London's current population.

It is interesting to note that the distance between Leeds and Liverpool is roughly the same as the whole length of London Underground's Central Line - yet that northern journey can sometimes nearly take double the time.

LCCI is happy to endorse previous calls for a 'Crossrail of the North'. The proposed cross-Pennine plans involve tunnelling - and the skills and experience from the new Elizabeth Line/Crossrail project in London could be put to good use to deliver practical connectivity.

We are clear we want Crossrail Two but we also need to consider a Crossrail for the north.

As the UK faces into a post Brexit future, our economy will be much stronger if we create opportunities for jobs and future growth beyond the capital.

London's 'Crossrail Two' and a 'Crossrail North' could be given the green light to proceed together - helping create the environment to compete and seize new economic opportunities".

ENDS

Media contact
Katharine McGee
T: +44 (0)20 7203 1897
M: +44 (0)7827 241528
E: kmcgee@londonchamber.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITOR:
1. LCCI is the capital's most representative business organisation, with members ranging in size from multi-national companies to SMEs and sole traders.
2. Sean McKee is available for further comment and interview.