Big Ben

High Speed 2: Mark Lazarowicz MP highlights opportunities for business and new skilled jobs in Scotland

In a debate at Westminster local MP Mark Lazarowicz underlined the strength of the economic case for a new High Speed Rail line, HS2, pointing to the boost it would give to businesses and job creation even before a final decision is taken on it coming to Scotland.

Mark said:- “At a time when public investment in infrastructure is sorely needed HS2 has the potential to boost businesses and create jobs throughout the UK, both in the development and construction phases.

“There is widespread support for HS2 in Scotland and I would like to see an early commitment by the Government for the line to come to Scotland.

“But even before that Scottish companies could have a key role to play in designing, building and equipping the line resulting in the creation of much needed new skilled jobs.”

The UK Government announced yesterday that a new further education college would be created specifically to train engineers for the line but there are no details yet of its location or how it will be funded.

Mark said:-“The UK and Scottish governments should look closely at setting up a campus of the college in Scotland to support the development of high speed rail links within and to Scotland.”

Mark Lazarowicz was speaking in a Westminster Hall debate on the economic effects of HS2. His speech in full can be read by clicking here.

In earlier interventions in Parliament he stressed too the opportunities for businesses throughout the UK including Scotland to be part of the supply chain for HS2.

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Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.