HS2 is a must for the East Midlands says Nottinghamshire County Council leader

Coun Kay Cutts MBE, council leader and chairman of the HS2 Executive Board, said that the further transformation, development and economic growth of the East Midlands made HS2 East vital for the region.

Her remarks were made to the council’s policy committee and received cross-party support from councillors.

Coun Cutts said: “There is tremendous support for HS2 East from across the political spectrum and I want to thank local councillors and MPs for playing their part.

“We will not let up on lobbying the Government to commit to HS2 East which we know will have significant impact in boosting capacity and connectivity improvements in the region as well as helping with the immediate economic recovery of Covid-19.”

Coun Cutts added that the project would contribute to the prosperity of the whole of the East Midlands, with thousands of jobs, a new village, hundreds of new homes, economic development and innovation opportunities.

She continued: “This is our chance to boost and invigorate this region for future generations.

"You cannot argue with the stats that clearly state for every £1 invested in the Eastern leg, £2 will be generated.

“And for every 500 miles travelled on HS2 East, a journey of 70 miles by car would use the same amount of carbon.

"In today’s world of reducing our carbon footprint, these figures speak for themselves.”

Coun Cutts also pointed to the opportunities that Brexit had opened.

She said: “We need to grab the innovation and new business opportunities with both hands following Brexit.

“We need to build on our existing strengths in manufacturing, technology, and a wide range of other high-value services.

“HS2 East will undoubtedly improve the long-term prosperity of the East Midlands and I, and my colleagues, will be leading the charge to make sure it happens.”

To find out more, click here.