HS2

Question 1

Reasons for HS2 1/4

Answer 1

HS2 is expected to generate 22,000 construction jobs in the next five years and once the entire line is running create 100,000 jobs.

Question 2

Reasons for HS2 2/4

Answer 2

It should also increase the UK’s GDP by £15bn a year - an increase of 0.8%.

Question 3

Reason for HS2 3/4

Answer 3

Better transport connections like HS2 mean reduced production and transport costs, higher productivity and greater competition between UK regions.

Question 4

Reasons for HS2 4/4

Answer 4

The rail link could act as a way of growing industries in the North. The government expects 70% of jobs created to be outside London.

Question 5

Reasons against HS2 1/3

Answer 5

Another criticism of the HS2 project has been the effect it will have on people’s homes.

In some areas, houses might have to be demolished to make way for the line, so some people who don’t want to leave aren’t happy.

Question 6

Reasons against HS2 2/3

Answer 6

Infrastructure supporting the line will be built on 250 acres of green belt land. Sites of special scientific interest will be sliced through by the line.

Question 7

Reasons against HS2 3/3

Answer 7

One of the strongest arguments against HS2 is the opportunity cost. Spend £50bn on HS2 and that’s £50bn gone from other projects. The UK is heavily in debt, public finances are stretched so spending must be carefully prioritised.

Question 8

What will the government gain if they build HS2:

Answer 8

franchsing fees from train companoes to run services 
economic multipler (jobs)