Supporters criticise high speed rail ‘myths’

The Campaign for High Speed Rail, which is backed by hundreds of businesses across Yorkshire, the North and the Midlands, urged critics to “own up to the facts” after releasing the document.

Myths it is attempting to counter include claims that the network – which would include stops in Leeds and South Yorkshire and is expected to be worth billions of pounds to the economy – would cost every household £1,000 in taxes, that it would be irresponsible to spend the money in a recession and criticism of the business case backing the project.

The director of the Campaign for High Speed Rail, Prof David Begg, said: “This document is important in winning the argument for high speed rail. For too long the opposition have been allowed to push misleading statistics and bogus exaggerations. It is time for them to own up to the facts. The economic case for high-speed rail is strong. This project must go forward.”

A partner at Clarion Solicitors in Leeds, Mark Burns, said: “This is a project that is too important for Yorkshire and the rest of the North to let unproven myths continue to dominate the airwaves. I and other businesses leaders know how vital high speed rail is to regenerating Yorkshire.”

Tim Hale, chairman of Sheffield based Champion Hire Ltd said: “As chairman of a plant hire company, I understand how important it is for businesses to invest in infrastructure for the future, not just for the present. Reading through these ‘myths’, it is clear that high speed rail will eventually be of massive benefit to the North and Midlands and I am pleased that this campaign is working hard to set the record straight.”