High Speed Rail Industry Leaders (HSRIL) Parliamentary reception saw enthusiastic backing for the HS2 project from Ministers and MPs including the Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling MP; HS2 Minister Nus Ghani MP and Shadow Secretary of State for Transport Andy McDonald MP.

The reception highlighted how HS2 will provide a long-term opportunity to contribute to growth and productivity throughout the UK, investing in skills and jobs right across the supply chain and driving regeneration in towns and cities along the line of route. The event was also attended by HS2 suppliers who spoke to Parliamentarians about how supply chain contracts were already benefitting their business by enabling growth, as well as further investment in employees and apprentices.
 

Nus Ghani MP, HS2 Minister, said: “HS2 is already delivering benefits, with 7,000 workers and 2,000 suppliers currently working on building what will become the backbone of Britain’s rail network.

“This project will transform our country, with the Midlands and the North gaining the most. It will act as a catalyst for jobs, housing and economic growth while providing better journeys for passengers.”
  

Nisrine Chartouny, Director of HSRIL, commented: “HS2 is one of the biggest opportunities for Britain in decades. As well as providing the country with a new world class north-south transport link, the project provides opportunities for thousands of businesses, big and small, all over the UK. HS2 already supports over 7,000 jobs in Britain and that number is set to grow to tens of thousands in the next few years, with 70% of these jobs outside of London. Now more than ever we need to need to keep momentum going for the project so that we can fully realise its benefits.”