I was delighted to be invited to the Annual Rail Forum Conference held at Birmingham's ICC on Tuesday, representing Shoosmiths LLP, a Gold Member. Some key take aways from the morning sessions were:
- West Midlands Rail and beyond (Malcolm Holmes): We still have 25 diesel trains per day leaving Birmingham New Street, illustrating the continuing need to move to more modern, efficient and sustainable alternatives (electrification, hydrogen, battery to name a few);
- Government showing strong support of HS2 Phases 1, 2a and (pending government approval of the Bill) 2b, highlighting how it will employ up to 34,000 people during its design and construction and engaging up to 2,000 apprentices;
- Great British Railways: Kevin Foster MP discussing this will still go head, with current discussions focusing on the location of its head office (Birmingham mentioned amongst others).
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