Union Connectivity Review: stronger and better-connected United Kingdom

26th Nov 2021

The Prime Minister underlines the commitment to strengthen transport connections across the UK, as government publishes Sir Peter Hendy’s independent Union Connectivity Review. As part of his final report Sir Peter Hendy outlined 11 recommendations which he believes should be prioritised to provide better transport connections between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

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The Prime Minister underlines the commitment to strengthen transport connections across the UK, as government publishes Sir Peter Hendy’s independent Union Connectivity Review.

As part of his final report Sir Peter Hendy outlined 11 recommendations which he believes should be prioritised to provide better transport connections between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

"...the Review recommends that the UK Government develop
UKNET – a strategic transport network for the whole
United Kingdom which would connect all the nations of the
UK, with appropriate funding and coordination with the
devolved administrations to deliver it."

Sir Peter Hendy CBE Chair, Union Connectivity Review.

The report goes on to describe the UKNET as a multi-modal, pan-UK network based on a series of principal transport corridors” that would “support long term economic growth, jobs, housing and social cohesion, the UK Government’s levelling up agenda and net zero ambitions”.

A major part of the network would be to create better transport links to the UK’s main airports and seaports as well as identifying and upgrading key freight and passenger corridors.

The need for collaboration with the devolved administrations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland would be needed however to fund the network.

UKNET, a strategic transport network for the UK outlined in the Union Connectivity Review.

UKNET, a strategic transport network for the UK outlined in the Union Connectivity Review.

The review also provides specific recommendations for improvements for connections across the United Kingdom, includes improved connectivity with:

  • Scotland: proposals include reducing rail journey times and increasing capacity on the West Coast Main Line, and conducting an assessment of the East Coast road and rail corridor

  • Northern Ireland: upgrading the key A75 link to improve freight and passenger connectivity

  • Wales: improvements on the A55, M53 and M56, the South Wales Corridor, improvements to the North Wales Coast Main Line and rail links to the Midlands from Cardiff

Upgrading the M4 and adding stations to south Wales' main railway line were also recommended by Sir Peter Hendy. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has invited the Welsh government to work "collaboratively" on the proposals.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "We must strengthen the rail and road links across Wales if we are to truly level up the UK - enhancing the connectivity of Welsh towns and cities and bringing communities closer together."

Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps and the Welsh government had been involved in discussions ahead of the report's release and both governments would work together to resolve issues around transport, such as congestion.

CIHT welcomes the review bring together transport, planning, and development within a wider pan-UK context. CIHT believe there would be significant benefit in drawing on the experiences from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to enable a UK wide strategy.

CIHT has long called for certainty of funding and for a national transport strategy for the UK. It is important to recognise the long term nature of infrastructure this review recommends and that the government ensure a clear funding stream for improvements to the network are recognised.

In addition, getting funding right for existing networks is key. There is a risk sometimes with focusing on new infrastructure: there is also a vital need to invest in our existing infrastructure to ensure that it is safe and reliable and future proofed. This should ensure existing links are maintained across all modes.

The government are yet to comment on the 11 recommendations outlined in the Union Connectivity Review’s and also carefully consider in detail working collaboratively with the Scottish Government, Welsh Government and Northern Ireland Executive. 

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