Businesses ranging from AstraZeneca to KPMG and the technology and science clusters in University of Oxford, Begbroke Science Park, Silverstone, Westcott Venture Park and Colworth Science Park all say that East West Rail cannot come soon enough.   

The support of business is profiled in a new publication, ‘Building Better Connections: the business imperative for East West Rail,’ produced by the East West Main Line Partnership, a grouping of local authorities, local enterprise partnerships and other bodies which has campaigned for East West Rail for nearly three decades.  

Cllr Steven Broadbent, Chair of the East West Main Line Partnership, said: “As a hotbed for world class science and technology innovation, our region plays a pivotal role for the UK economy. However, our existing transport system is holding us back, hitting productivity, restricting collaboration and limiting access to labour.

That’s why the businesses and organisations we spoke to said that East West Rail cannot come soon enough. East West Rail will boost economic growth and innovation, connect skills and talent, and increase the UK’s global competitiveness. “Construction work between Oxford and Milton Keynes is well underway and due to complete by 2025. With economic growth a key priority for the Prime Minister, it is crucial that the government now commits to delivering the scheme to Aylesbury, Bedford and Cambridge.”