UK Government publishes a review of Union Connectivity: Proposed Transport Investments for a Stronger, More Connected UK

Prime Minister Boris Johnson committed today (November 26, 2021) to forging and strengthening transport bonds that will create a more coherent and connected Britain.

As the United Kingdom Government published the final report of the Union Connectivity Review by Sir Peter Hendy United Kingdom Communities close to social and economic opportunities.

In particular, the Prime Minister has welcomed and intends to adopt the proposal to create UKNET – a strategic transport network spanning the whole of the UK.

UKNET will, for the first time, assess and map the key points across the length and breadth of the UK that are essential for stronger, more direct transport links.

This will help fuel economic growth, support job creation and improve opportunities by expanding the transportation system and making travel faster and easier for passengers, cargo and businesses alike.

the United Kingdom The government has asked the decentralized administrations to work together in defining and developing the necessary improvements in union connectivity, supported by specific projects supporting the United Kingdom Government response.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:

If we really want to improve the country, it is important that we have connectivity between all corners of the country United Kingdomso more people can get to more places, faster.

Sir Peter Hendy’s recap is an inspiring vision for the future of transportation that we will now carefully examine. Determined to get to work right away, we become a strategic one United Kingdom-a broad transport network that can better serve the whole country with stronger sea, rail and road connections – and not only bring us closer together, but also promote jobs, prosperity and opportunities.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said:

Transport is key to bringing the UK family of peoples closer together so that wealth can be more evenly distributed. It is not good enough that certain areas of United Kingdom thrive while others fall behind. We need to reach our full national potential and that means mobilizing the resources and capabilities of all parts of this country.

I am indebted to Sir Peter for his work. We will carefully examine its recommendations, work closely with the decentralized administrations and work collegially to ensure that these proposals strengthen the bonds that bind us now and in the future.

The independent Union Connectivity Review was launched in October 2020 under the direction of Sir Peter Hendy. brought to life CBEto make a detailed review of the quality and availability of transport infrastructure in the United Kingdom Can support economic growth and quality of life.

Specific recommendations for improvement for connections across the UK include improved connectivity with:

• Scotland: Proposals include reducing rail travel times and increasing capacity on the West Coast Main Line, as well as conducting an assessment of the East Coast road and rail corridor

• Northern Ireland: Expansion of the important A75 connection to improve freight and passenger connectivity

• Wales: Improvements to the A55, M53 and M56, the South Wales Corridor, improvements to the North Wales Coast Main Line and rail links to the Cardiff Midlands

Recommendations published today also include that the United Kingdom Government should:

• design and implement UKNET – a strategic transport network for the entire United Kingdom, and commit to allocating additional resources to improve the network, especially the parts that are not working well
• Plan network improvements using multimodal corridors that should be regularly reviewed and assessed on a broader economic basis to support government goals such as leveling and net zero
• Support the development of sustainable aviation fuel facilities in parts of the UK that rely heavily on aviation for domestic connectivity

Union Connectivity Review Independent Chairman Sir Peter Hendy said:

My recommendations are broad, achievable and clear plans for better networking across the UK, leading to more growth, jobs, housing and social cohesion.

I applaud the enthusiasm that the Prime Minister and the Government have shown for my final report and look forward to your formal response to my recommendations aimed at spreading opportunity and prosperity across the UK.

the United Kingdom The government will now examine in detail the recommendations of the Union Connectivity Review and work with the Scottish Government, Welsh Government and Northern Ireland Executive to identify the solutions that will work best for the people in the area United Kingdomand make tangible and meaningful progress as quickly as possible.