Manufacturers Call For Revival Of Original High-Speed Rail Plans

Leading voices in UK manufacturing are urging the government to revive the original high-speed rail route to Manchester and Leeds, arguing it’s a vital step in delivering long-term rail capacity and economic resilience.

According to new research from Make UK and Barclays Corporate Bank, nine in ten manufacturers believe the full high-speed line should go ahead, enabling a strategic shift in how both passenger and freight traffic are managed across the national rail network.

The findings – based on a survey of 200 UK manufacturing firms – also show strong support for improved east-west rail connections linking Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield, Hull and Newcastle, reflecting growing frustration with current infrastructure constraints.

Verity Davidge, Director of Policy at Make UK, warned that existing rail capacity is unlikely to support the projected growth in freight volumes:

“If we want industry to shift more freight off roads and onto rail, then we need to unlock new capacity. A dedicated high-speed passenger line would free up space on existing routes for freight and create scope to invest in modern multimodal hubs that better link ports, road, and rail across the UK’s central corridor.”

Lee Collinson, Head of Manufacturing, Transport and Logistics at Barclays UK Corporate Bank, echoed the call for integrated planning:

“Joined-up investment across road, rail, and ports is essential — not just for transport decarbonisation, but for enhancing productivity and ensuring UK supply chains remain competitive.”

For project managers working in infrastructure, logistics, and regional development, the report reinforces a clear strategic message: capacity is a foundational requirement for future growth, sustainability and national connectivity.