CPA Response to Cancellation of the Manchester Leg of HS2

Following Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s announcement today that the Manchester leg of HS2 is to be scrapped, Stu McInroy, Chief Executive of the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) said: “The news that the Manchester leg of HS2 is to be cancelled is extremely disappointing and a significant blow to the UK construction sector. This decision shall undoubtedly further undermine confidence and impact future investment at a time when the economy remains fragile. 

“Whilst in no way likely to offset the negative effect of cancelling the Manchester leg of HS2, it is imperative that Mr Sunak’s commitment to completing the HS2 line to Euston, and diverting Manchester leg funding to a plethora of other projects aimed at boosting transport infrastructure in the north, are actioned without delay. Construction is a key driver of economic growth and CPA members will now be watching very closely what the Government does next. 

“Failure to follow through with current infrastructure plans has already damaged confidence in UK construction and impacted on the UK as a destination for international investment. We can ill-afford the government to repeat this failure again.”