The Transport Secretary has confirmed that plans to revive the northern leg of HS2 through private investment will be considered by ministers with an "open mind".
Private sector funding proposal
Regional mayors Andy Street and Andy Burnham have reportedly drawn up a cross-party plan to use private sector funding for the Birmingham-Manchester high-speed line. The proposal will be examined by the government.
Government open to engagement
Transport Secretary Mark Harper has confirmed that the government is "happy" to engage with the private sector funding proposal. However, he expressed skepticism about whether the project could be delivered without any cost to the taxpayer.
Expert group commissioned
Andy Street and Andy Burnham have commissioned an expert group to examine the proposal. The government has committed to listening to their findings.
Prime Minister's decision
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the decision to scrap the northern leg of HS2 during the Tory Party conference. The £36bn of savings from this decision will be used to fund other transport schemes.
Tory mayor of Birmingham Andy Street stated that by involving the private sector, the project can be less costly for the government. Train operating companies and engineering giants Arup and Mace Engineering are leading the discussions for the proposed funding model.
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https://hellofaread.com/politics/labour-peer-accused-of-hypocrisy-with-380k-earnings-from-country-accused-of-torture/
