At the Second Reading of the HS2 Bill, Martin spoke of the benefits to the Cleethorpes Constituency the new rail links would bring. Martin noted that, "the released capacity that such a network offers is essential to encourage prosperity and investment."
Martin also argued that HS2 will not simply benefit London and the other cities along its route, but the whole country's connectivity will be improved. During his speech, Martin highlighted the problems which would be compounded should HS2 not be built:
"It is simply not possible to mix high-speed services with slower stopping services and freight. Too often, the demands of the freight industry are ignored in this debate. My own constituency is home to the port of Immingham, where 25% of freight moved by rail starts or ends its journey. All the projections I have seen show a steady increase in freight traffic, which is vital to the continuing economic development of the nation and to my corner of northern Lincolnshire in particular."
For passengers and the Humber economy, Martin noted:
“During the past decade, passenger journeys have grown by 50% to almost l.5 billion a year, and that figure will be 2 billion journeys by 2020. As stated in the strategic case, once HS2 has been built, it is forecast to generate £59.8 billion in user benefits, as well as £13.3 billion in wider economic benefits. The HS2 project will create an instant market for construction and civil engineering jobs, and there will be a big opportunity in the manufacturing sector to design and build the rolling stock. Tata Steel’s Scunthorpe works is heavily dependent on the production of rail track. If the Scunthorpe plant is successful in obtaining orders for the project, the jobs of the 250 of my constituents who work there will be made that little bit more secure.
Job creation is vital, but we also need to train our young people if we are to meet the demands of the new industry. I suggest that the proposed HS2 college and training centre should be in northern Lincolnshire.”
Martin summarised his support for the HS2 project by stating:
“If HS2 is not built, not only would that demonstrate a loss of confidence in the UK and its ability to invest in infrastructure, but opportunities will be lost. It would diminish the prospect for better rail services, creating more congested roads. An opportunity to spread the tourism appeal of Britain as a whole, rather than just that of central London, will be lost.”
Martin’s full speech in the House of Commons can be found at: http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2014-04-28a.557.0&s=speaker%3A24814#g647.0
Martin is a member of the Transport Select Committee, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Rail, and was a member of the High Speed Rail (Preparation) Bill Committee.