'HS3 is test of Government's commitment to North' - Airport boss

CHANCELLOR Philip Hammond should commit to delivering HS3 in his Budget next month to show the Government's commitment to the North, a leading business figure said today.

Manchester Airport chief executive Ken O'Toole said the HS3 proposal for high speed trans-Pennine services was critical to making the North of England competitive on the international stage,

In a recent interview, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling told The Yorkshire Post that improving trans-Pennine transport connections are a Government priority.

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The dismissal of George Osborne from the Treasury by incoming prime minister Theresa May has raised doubts about the Government's commitment 'northern powerhouse' concept he championed.

Speaking at the UK Northern Powerhouse conference in Manchester, Mr O'Toole suggested a "clear commitment" to delivering HS3, also known as Northern Powerhouse rail, would show the Government was serious about making the North internationally competitive.

He said: "If the Northern Powerhouse is to be truly competitive on the global stage, it should be as easy as possible to travel from Hull to Hong Kong; Liverpool to Los Angeles and Sheffield to Singapore.

"Slashing journey times through investment in NPR could lead to the North securing direct flights to 20-30 key global markets, with millions more people in easy reach of Manchester Airport.

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"It is connectivity like that that will maximize growth in sectors like life sciences, advanced manufacturing, technology and energy. It is connectivity like that that is key to delivering an Industrial Strategy that rebalances the UK economy.

"Northern Powerhouse Rail could give us that connectivity and drive transformational improvements in productivity and growth."

He added: "We have the plan the time is now for Government to commit to it, starting in just a few weeks time with the Budget."