Responding to the Government’s announcement on HS2 and other transport infrastructure projects, Jonathan Geldart, Director General of the Institute of Directors, said:

“The HS2 saga has not been a good advert for the UK's ability to build major infrastructure, but now the decision has been made, many businesses in the Midlands and North will just want to see the Government get on and build it.

“Splitting the project into more manageable chunks makes political sense, but it also has a degree of business-sense, provided the right controls are in place. We encourage the Government to put strong governance frameworks in place to ensure management is properly scrutinised.

“Improving the rest of the transport network in the North, and making sure HS2 connects up, is just as important. Businesses leaders will be holding the Government to their promises on Northern Powerhouse rail and local transport.”