Government to create 'cohesive and connected UK' with new transport network

The Government will establish UKNET – a strategic transport network spanning the entire United Kingdom, as part of recommendations in the final Union Connectivity Review.

Sir Peter Hendy’s final report sets out how the UK will strengthen its transport bonds to create a more “cohesive and connected UK”.

UKNET will assess and map out for the first time the key points across the length and breadth of the UK that are essential to stronger, more direct transport connections.

It’s hoped this will help boost economic growth, support job creation and level up opportunities by expanding the transport system and creating quicker and easier travel for passengers, freight and businesses alike.

The UK government has invited the devolved administrations to work collaboratively in defining and developing the necessary improvements to union connectivity, supported by specific projects, which will inform the UK government’s response.

Transport secretary Grant Shapps said: “Transport is key to binding the family of nations that is the United Kingdom closer together so that prosperity can be shared more evenly.

“It is not good enough that certain areas of the UK thrive while others fall behind. We must realise our full national potential and that means mobilising the resources and skills of all parts of this country.”

Shapps said Sir Peter’s recommendations would be carefully considered and there would be close engagement with the devolved administrations.

The independent Union Connectivity Review was launched in October 2020, led by Sir Peter Hendy CBE, to undertake how a detailed review of the quality and availability of transport infrastructure across the UK can support economic growth and quality of life.

Specific recommendations for improvements for connections across the United Kingdom include for 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

The recommendations published today also include that the UK government should:

• Design and implement UKNET – a strategic transport network for the whole of the UK, and commit to providing additional funding to improve the network, in particular, the parts that are not performing well
• Plan improvements to the network using multimodal corridors, which should be reviewed regularly and appraised on a wider economic basis in order to support government objectives such as levelling up and net zero
• Support the development of sustainable aviation fuel plants in parts of the United Kingdom that are particularly reliant on aviation for domestic connectivity

Independent chair of the Union Connectivity Review, Sir Peter Hendy, said: “My recommendations provide comprehensive, achievable and clear plans forward to better connect the whole of the United Kingdom, leading to more growth, jobs, housing and social cohesion.”

“I welcome the enthusiasm shown by the Government to my final report and I look forward to their formal response to my recommendations, which aim to spread opportunity and prosperity right across the United Kingdom.”

The Government will now carefully consider the Union Connectivity Review’s recommendations in detail, working with the Scottish Government, Welsh Government and Northern Ireland Executive to identify the solutions that work best for the people of the UK.