HS2 supporters issue letters to press
Support has been given (again) for the HS2 train line, with the launch of a new campaign designed to persuade the scheme's opponents, BBC News reports.
Over one hundred MPs, economists and business leaders have clubbed together, demonstrating their support for the high speed train link between London and Birmingham, in letters to some of the country's national newspapers.
Their main points are that not only would the HS2 ease overcrowding, but that it would create employment opportunities - obviously referring to the engineering, construction and rail jobs the scheme would provide.
They also highlight the fact that the Y-shaped line, which beyond Birmingham would branch up to Manchester and Leeds, would cut journey times significantly.
Those against the scheme argue that it cuts through areas "of outstanding natural beauty".
A letter to the Financial Times "from Lord Robert Skidelsky, Ms Nicola Smith, Prof Danny Quah, Prof Anthony Venables and others" reiterated that effective transport promotes growth by enabling people to get to work and allowing entrepreneurs to more easily mobilise their goods and services.
They also emphasised how the UK trailed far behind other countries in terms of high speed connections: "The absence of a high-speed rail line connecting the north of England to London and the European Union is a continuous embarrassment to British businesses promoting UK plc overseas.
"We call on the government to approve plans for HS2 and to push ahead with its construction as soon as possible."
A decision on the scheme is due to be made by ministers next week.