HS2 and Rail Minister, Huw Merriman, will be joined by East Midlands politicians and leaders at an event to discuss rail plans for the region. Full Speed Ahead: bringing high speed-rail to the East Midlands, hosted by Midlands Connect and Transport for East Midlands will focus the importance of the Integrated Rail Plan and HS2 for the region.

Where: The Stuart Hotel, Derby DE1 2QR

When: Monday 3^rd July, 9:30-14:00

Contact: paulbutters@midlandsconnect.uk or 07827 747436

Agenda

10:00 – 10:15 | Speech – opening comments

Sir John Peace (Chair of Midlands Connect)

10:15 – 10:30 | Keynote speech

Huw Merriman MP (HS2 & Rail Minister, DfT)

10:30– 11:15 | Panel – Unlocking the potential of the East Midlands: the impact of the IRP

Panellists:

• Sir Peter Soulsby (Mayor for Leicester and Chair of Transport for the East Midlands)
• Chris Hobson (Director of Policy & Insight, East Midlands Chamber)
• Cllr Tricia Gilby (Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council)
• Cllr Carmel Swan (Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport & Sustainability at Derby City Council
• Chair: Andrew Pritchard (Director of Policy & Infrastructure, East Midlands Councils)

11:15– 11:30 | Coffee break

11:30 – 12:15 | Panel: High Speed Rail in the East Midlands

Panellists:

• Alexandra Batey (Phase 2b Development Director for HS2)
• Rupert Brennan Brown (Rail Forum Board Director & Stakeholder Engagement Lead)
• Ken Harrison (Programme Director at East Midlands Development Corporation)
• Chair: Maria Machancoses (CEO of Midlands Connect)

12:15 – 13:00 | Panel – The IRP: a political perspective

Panellists:

• Pauline Latham (MP for Mid Derbyshire)
• Toby Perkins (MP for Chesterfield)
• Amanda Solloway (MP for Derby North)
• Cllr Ben Bradley (MP for Mansfield)

13:00 – 13:15 | Speech – closing remarks

Maria Machancoses (CEO of Midlands Connect)