Government to launch consultation on ‘next stages’ of East West Rail
A consultation on the “next stages” of East West Rail will be launched in November, the government has announced.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed the government’s support for the multi-billion pound scheme in the first Labour Budget since 2010 – and the first ever delivered by a woman.
Ms Reeves said: “We will deliver East West Rail to drive growth between Oxford, Milton Keynes and Cambridge, with the first services running between Oxford, Bletchley and Milton Keynes next year, and trains between Oxford and Bedford running from 2030.”
Further details in the budget document reveal the consultation will be launched next month by the Secretary of State for Transport.
“This scheme will unlock land for housing and laboratories across the region, particularly around Cambridge, supporting the world-leading life sciences sector,” the government says.
The railway, which will connect Oxford to Cambridge via new stations at Cambourne and Tempsford, near St Neots, is intended to form a crucial link to boost the Oxford-Cambridge Arc.
A statutory consultation was due to start in June, but was delayed because of the General Election.
Reacting to the news, Max Bryan, head of science and technology at Bidwells, said: “Support for the delivery of the East West Rail is excellent news for the British economy. The network will combine the region’s strengths so we can reach the critical mass needed for Britain to become a truly global science and technology supercluster.
“The government has recognised the immense economic potential of the Oxford Cambridge Arc to drive growth for the country at large, and this is welcome.”
The budget also includes £10m for the Cambridge Growth Company to develop an “ambitious” plan for the housing, transport, water, and wider infrastructure the city needs to “realise its full potential”.
The government says both commitments will support life sciences companies and unlock private investment, cementing Cambridge’s status as a globally renowned centre of excellence and “its important role within the Industrial Strategy”.