The transport secretary has re-iterated ministers’ commitment to infrastructure projects such as high speed rail and airport expansion in the wake of the referendum result.
Speaking at an infrastructure conference on Tuesday, Patrick McLoughlin acknowledged that the country was facing ‘a period of adjustment; economic, social and political,’ but added: ‘as we step out into our new place in the world, I sincerely believe we do so from a position of strength.’
Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin
He said: ‘It’s nice to be able to get back to the hard certainties of concrete and steel,’ adding: ‘Investment in the long term infrastructure we need, has become more important, not less.’
On the issue of aviation capacity in south east England, Mr McLoughlin said ministers remained committed both to expansion and ‘to delivering runway capacity on the timetable set out by [Airports Commission chair] Sir Howard Davies’.
He acknowledged that ‘all sides will have their views’ on this issue, but said his view was that ‘it is vital that the UK is seen to be open for business and building the infrastructure it needs to compete’.
Mr McLoughlin claimed that Tuesday's National Audit Office report on the HS2 rail link had ‘confirmed’ that the project ‘is on track’.
He also said the Government is ‘making progress on HS3, or Northern Powerhouse Rail, which will transform the north’.
Prime minister David Cameron had suggested during the referendum campaign that both HS2 and HS3 might be threatened by a vote to leave the European Union.
In his speech, the transport secretary praised chancellor George Osborne’s decision in 2010 to proceed with Crossrail.
He also cited a new rail station at Kirkstall Forge in Leeds, which opened on Monday, as one of ‘countless examples’ of similar investment across the country.
He said: ‘Be certain: the investment will continue.’
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