Leaders in Greater Manchester are calling for “an urgent rethink” of the government’s plans to bring HS2 to Manchester.
They are warning that the wrong solution could “damage the north for generations”.
Following an address to the public given by Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, and leader of Manchester City Council Bev Craig yesterday, local authorities are set submit formal petitions to the government that raise the key changes they believe are vital for HS2 and the Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) to be a success for the north.
Leaders say they are “determined to get the best” from the high-speed network for future generations, and have called for several changes – including an underground station at Manchester Piccadilly, rather than the government’s proposed overground solution.
They say this is because Manchester Piccadilly is central to both HS2 and NPR, and as modelling suggests that an overground station would be at full capacity from day one, with no option to accommodate extra services.
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This “second-class option” would effectively hamper the future of rail infrastructure for the whole of the north for generations to come, according to leaders.
🗣️ "A second-class choice for HS2 at Manchester Piccadilly station will be a hammer blow to any prospects of really Levelling Up our country.”
Greater Manchester Leaders are today calling for an urgent rethink of plans to bring HS2 to Manchester
— Mayor of Greater Manchester (@MayorofGM) August 4, 2022
And given that the wrong solution at Manchester Piccadilly could rule out the right rail solution for the whole of the north of England, Mr Burnham has subsequently called for the “precise issue of the station’s design” to be brought to a vote of all MPs on the floor of the House of Commons.
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“We cannot continue to repeat the mistakes of the past,” Andy Burnham said.
“Failing to invest in central Manchester’s rail links has led to rail chaos across the north time and again, [so] this is a huge moment and the decisions that are made now will affect the prospects for people here in the North for hundreds of years to come.
“If we get the wrong solution at Manchester Piccadilly, it will limit economic growth, limit opportunities for local people and businesses, and limit the right rail solution for the whole of the north.”
Today the Council has submitted a formal petition to Government urging for changes to the proposed HS2 plans to ensure they are right for Manchester and the North. https://t.co/rztZ51pdxepic.twitter.com/XH4HrwnGHE
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) August 4, 2022
Also speaking on ahead of the submitting of the proposals, Councillor Bev Craig added: “Connecting Greater Manchester into the future high speed rail network has been a priority of the city-region for many years.
“We have consistently been in favour of bringing HS2 and NPR in full to our city-region, with the benefits it can bring to support regeneration, growth and increase capacity on our already clogged network.
“But we need to ensure that this is delivered in the best way to benefit all our communities.”
Featured Image – HS2
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Manchester’s newest hotel launches massive recruitment drive with 100+ jobs available
Emily Sergeant
One of Manchester’s newest hotels has launched a massive recruitment drive with more than 100 jobs available to locals.
The Medlock, Manchester’s bold new 401-bedroom hotel – which is born from a partnership between Manchester City Football Club and Radisson Hotel Group, and is set to open later this year in the autumn – is looking for new team members across a wide range of areas, including front of house, housekeeping, engineering, and reservations.
To welcome these new team members onboard, the hotel has now launched a massive recruitment drive with dozens of roles available to local people.
Individuals who bring ‘authenticity, pride, and personality’ to everything they do are encouraged to apply for the roles – which go live early next week (Monday 27 April).
Aimed at boosting employment within the local community, vacancies span front-of-house, housekeeping, engineering and reservations.
The recruitment drive – delivered in partnership with Total People – is being lead by Valor Hospitality, the hotel’s operator chosen for its global expertise and people-first approach to hospitality, and will be offering tailored training programmes that are designed to make careers in hospitality accessible to Manchester residents.
Vocational qualifications across a range of skills will help individuals build confidence and step into rewarding roles in the industry, and it also means prior experience is not entirely necessary.
More than 100 roles will be available to local people / Credit: Supplied
General Manager Richard Pearson says the recruitment drive is a ‘unique opportunity to be part of an exciting partnership’.
“This is a milestone we’ve been eagerly anticipating, building the team that will bring The Medlock to life,” he added. “We’re looking for people who carry the spirit of Manchester with them, people who are proud of where they’re from and passionate about creating something special together.”
As mentioned, all job adverts will go live next Monday (27 April) so hopefuls can get their applications submitted here.
This’ll then be followed by invite-only open days for shortlisted candidates in mid May.
Featured Image – Supplied
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UK passes bill to ban everyone born after 2008 from smoking in ‘historic’ moment
Emily Sergeant
In what is described as being a ‘historic moment’, the UK has now passed a bill to ban everyone born after 2008 from ever buying tobacco products.
It’s been a long time coming, but the final draft of the landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill completed its journey through the Houses of Commons and Lords yesterday (21 April 2026), and is now on its way to receiving royal assent to officially become the law.
For those unfamiliar, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill will stop people who were born on or after 1 January 2009 from ever taking up smoking.
It will also give Government ministers new powers to regulate tobacco, vaping, and nicotine products – including their flavours and packaging, which make them more appealing to younger generations.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has hailed the bill’s passing as a ‘historic moment for the nation’s health’ on the road to creating a smoke-free generation.
The UK has passed a bill to ban everyone born after 2008 from smoking / Credit: Lil Artsy (via Pexels)
“Children in the UK will be part of the first smoke-free generation, protected from a lifetime of addiction and harm,” Mr Streeting said after the bill was passed this week.
“Prevention is better than cure. This reform will save lives, ease pressure on the NHS, and build a healthier Britain.”
The ban on purchasing tobacco products for those born after 2008 was first mooted by Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Government a number of years back, but was eventually shelved ahead of the 2024 General Election, and then revived again by Labour when they took power.
The bill’s passing parliament has been welcomed by charities and campaign groups – most notably Cancer Research UK.
“This is a historic achievement that will shield our children from the devastating grip of tobacco addiction and help to put an end to cancers caused by smoking,” concluded Michelle Mitchell, who is the Chief Executive Officer at Cancer Research.
Emily Sergeant -
4th August 2022 
