Transport Secretary Chris Grayling gives backing to Crossrail 2
Crossrail 2 has faced a number of uncertainties, however the future of Crossrail 2 has been given a much-needed boost after transport secretary Chris Grayling and London mayor Sadiq Khan said they have agreed on the next steps for the £31bn rail project.
The Transport Secretary stated that there was “no doubt” London needed new infrastructure to support its growth and retain its status as the UK’s economic powerhouse. Grayling and Khan will now work together to examine ways to improve the affordability of the Crossrail 2 project, ahead of this autumn’s budget.
Fears have recently been expressed that the scheme could be derailed by competing pressures from the North after Crossrail 2 was failed to be mentioned in the Tory’s manifesto and the Queen’s speech. So, Graylings remarks will have come just in time to calm nerves and provide reassurance that the Government hasn’t gone cold on this exciting infrastructure project.
Khan stated:
“Crossrail 2 is essential for the future prosperity of London and the South East, so I’m pleased that the transport secretary and I have reached an agreement to take this vital project forward.
We will continue to work together to ensure the project is value for money and provides the maximum benefits for jobs and growth in the region over the coming decades. I look forward to moving to the next stage of consultation.”
Despite the Transport Secretary backing Crossrail 2, there still remains concerns about how the project will be funded.
Grayling said: “I am a supporter of Crossrail 2 but given its price tag we have to ensure that we get this right.”
It is clear that both Grayling and Khan understand the need for a funding package which works for London and the rest of the country, but also ensuring that the scheme delivers the new capacity that is much needed in the capital.
Chief executive of London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Colin Stanbridge, said: “We very much welcome the support of the secretary of state for Crossrail 2 and it’s vital to note that Crossrail 2 doesn’t just benefit London but the whole country, both during its construction in terms of procurement and skills and of course afterwards in the resulting infrastructure.
“London’s contribution will be more than 50 per cent and we of course stand willing to do all we can to construct an acceptable funding package.”
Crossrail 2 is seen as critical to London’s future rapid growth and will unlock an estimated 200,00 new homes and 200,000 jobs. That is why this joint statement has come at the right time allowing progress to be made and for this project to move forward.