GB Railfreight calls for HS2 ‘levelling up’
(Posted on 27/01/20)
With the future of HS2 to be decided next month, GB Railfreight Managing Director John Smith is urging both the UK Government and industry to focus on the long-term benefits the project will deliver to not just the North, but for a cross section of UK businesses.
It has taken ten years of expert design and development, Parliamentary scrutiny, and public consultation to get to this point. Delivering such a large and crucial infrastructure scheme is no easy feat.
Commenting on the National Audit Office’s progress update, published today (Friday 24 January), John Smith said: “Cancelling HS2 would result in the loss of jobs, investment and faith in the deliverability of large-scale infrastructure projects.
“Regional connectivity needs to be fully supported and it is especially important for the rail freight sector, as it helps unlock routes and opportunities for businesses to choose rail over road freight.”
HS2 will be the first new railway constructed north of London for over a century, creating much needed capacity and connections across the North and Midlands. For GBRf there is no other viable alternative to the project.
Smith said: “If the Government takes the decision to pull the plug on HS2 now it will have a considerable negative impact on UK construction firms; the construction industry; young people starting their careers in construction and on the railways; and for rail freight which provides sustainable transport logistics.”
Businesses across the UK have delivered significant investment in preparation for work on the HS2 to start. Nearly 2,000 business have worked on the project and 9,000 people are already employed directly or indirectly by the scheme.
GB Railfreight employs over 900 people across the UK with a major centre of operations in Doncaster, and has been preparing to support construction logistics, including removing spoil and waste, and delivering inbound materials
John Smith added: “Many young people have made education and career choices around work starting on the scheme soon, opting to studying at the National College for Advanced Transport & Infrastructure in Doncaster and Birmingham in the expectation of doing their bit to deliver the UK’s most ambitious infrastructure project for a generation.
“While some critics are pushing for investment to be diverted to local commuter routes, without HS2 there won’t be the additional employment opportunities and business investment.
“Delivering HS2 will, in the long term, support the UK’s regional cities and towns to prosper and connect to other surrounding areas. The Government should move quickly to green light the project rather than delay even further.”
Founded in 1999 and headquartered in London, United Kingdom, GB Railfreight is the third largest rail freight operator in the United Kingdom, with a turnover expected to exceed £200 million in 2019. GB Railfreight is one of the fastest growing companies in the railway sector and transports goods for a wide range of customers.
Latest News
Pilbara Ports initiative to boost seafarer wellbeing
(Posted on 15/05/25)Pilbara Ports has launched a new initiative aimed at enhancing seafarer welfare by improving onboard... Read more
SSA Marine sustainability milestone at the Port of Los Angeles
(Posted on 15/05/25)SSA Marine, one of the world’s leading independent marine terminal operators, has announced that... Read more
New customs declaration process launched in Belgium
(Posted on 07/05/25)Inbound Release Platform (IRP) has been operating since 1 April 2025. This innovative solution, which... Read more
Kale to develop Oman’s national port communication system
(Posted on 07/05/25)Kale Logistics Solutions (Kale), along with its local partner Novel Muscat, has been awarded the contract... Read more
Estonian-German ports strengthen bilateral relations
(Posted on 01/05/25)Participants at the first German-Estonian Port Days, have demonstrated the impressive way in which bilateral... Read more
Teesport Offshore Gateway - a multi-million pound investment in the River Tees
(Posted on 29/04/25)One of the UK’s major port groups, PD Ports has announced its ambition to develop one of the UK... Read more
Port of Amsterdam achieves CO? reduction target
(Posted on 28/04/25)Port of Amsterdam has achieved its CO? reduction target. The Port of Amsterdam aimed to reduce its corporate... Read more
NSBT celebrates launch of new third berth in Freetown
(Posted on 22/04/25)Nectar Sierra Leone Bulk Terminal (NSBT) is celebrating the operational launch of a new third berth... Read more
Greenhouse gas emissions in port of Rotterdam down by 8%
(Posted on 17/04/25)Greenhouse gas emissions at companies in the port decreased by 1.7 Mton (8%) in 2024 compared to 2023... Read more
Raw materials delivered to British Steel through Immingham
(Posted on 15/04/25)Following the UK government’s passing of an emergency law to take control of British Steel, vital... Read more
