HS2 (High Speed Rail) Bill - Section from Crewe to Manchester

Raised concerns about the scepticism regarding significant investment in HS2 while his constituency's station remains underdeveloped and unsafe for disabled individuals.

Asked the Minister to consider levelling up Wales by ensuring it receives its fair share of HS2 funding, highlighting cross-party support for this message.

Questioned whether there is a price at which HS2 no longer represents value for money and raised concerns about environmental impacts and costs.

Welcomed the reason for improving high-speed railway but expressed concerns about the environmental impact, particularly regarding loss of traditional forests and trees.

Supported the Minister's stance on integrating HS2 with Northern Powerhouse Rail but suggested a better option would be an underground station at Manchester Piccadilly to properly link to future rail networks.

Welcomed the airport connectivity offered by the project and emphasised its importance for attracting investment into the north.

Noted that without the Golborne spur, phase 2b of HS2 would increase greenhouse gas emissions; suggested considering the spur further.

Welcomed the decision to scrap the Golborne link and expressed support for putting HS2 trains into stations such as Warrington, which Warrington Borough Council also supports.

Emphasised that nearly every politician in Wales has concerns about HS2’s funding and questioned whether the British Government can ignore these concerns.

Suggested Welsh passengers would benefit further if the line between Crewe and Chester were electrified, indicating support for additional improvements to HS2's infrastructure.

Stressed the need to get best value for taxpayers' money and suggested that the Piccadilly proposals were suboptimal, potentially damaging growth potential around Piccadilly.

Raised concerns about HS2's plans in close proximity to Wimboldsley Primary School and the complex geological make-up of the route through Cheshire, which may cause difficulties with salt mines.

Critiqued the manner in which HS2 has been handled in his constituency and recommended that proper consultation is required to avoid similar issues elsewhere.

Supports HS2 for its economic benefits but criticises the government's mismanagement and under-delivery. He emphasises the importance of controlling project costs to avoid overspending.

Questions Labour's support for HS2 regardless of cost, implying that there should be a price limit beyond which support is withdrawn.

Challenges the shadow Minister on the consistency of Labour's position regarding HS2 and its potential betrayal of northern constituencies.

Supports the need for improved rail services in areas like Chester, highlighting the lack of a definite plan to restore direct services.

Raises concerns about HS2's escalating costs and suggests it may be too expensive at around £150 billion, describing it as an 'obsolete' project.

Highlights the government's contempt for northern transport by refusing to meet with key regional figures like the acting chairwoman of Transport for the North.

Asks for clarity on Labour's position regarding the Golborne spur, seeking a definitive stance from the shadow Minister.

Supports the underground option at Manchester Piccadilly despite potential costs and disruption, emphasising its long-term economic benefits for Manchester.

Mr Bill Cash criticises HS2's Phase 2b, arguing that it lacks economic justification given changing commuting and working practices post-covid. He expresses concern over the hasty progression of the project without adequate public consultation, highlighting a need for formal responses to recent amendments. He emphasises the potential savings in construction costs if alternative rail solutions were implemented, suggesting these could be reinvested in regional infrastructure projects that would provide better levelling-up opportunities. Cash also stresses the importance of upgrading Crewe station and reopening sections of the North Staffordshire railway line for enhanced connectivity.

Supports HS2 but criticises the cancellation of the Golborne link, which impacts Scotland's rail network negatively. Highlights Scottish investment in rail infrastructure and argues that Scotland should receive fair funding from HS2.

Asked for clarification on the SNP's position regarding high-speed lines to Edinburgh and Glasgow, showing support for extending high-speed rail networks across both sides of the country.

Suggested that electrifying the north Wales main line could be considered if connected to an electrified line from Crewe to Chester, suggesting support for further rail electrification and integration with HS2.

Ms McVey opposes HS2, calling it a 'white elephant' with rising costs and questionable business case. She notes that since its conception in 2004, various justifications have been offered, from airport expansion alternatives to job creation, but none hold up under scrutiny. She cites the current high number of job vacancies in the UK as an issue for workforce availability. McVey also highlights significant environmental impacts such as damage to wildlife sites and ancient woodlands, and she mentions a petition with 155,000 signatures calling for HS2's cancellation. Additionally, she details local concerns over property devaluation and compensation issues, road closures, construction noise and pollution, and changing land-grabs affecting residents.

Mr Davies intervenes to ask Ms McVey if she agrees that it would be helpful for the minister winding up to specify a cost threshold at which HS2 would no longer proceed. This intervention supports McVey's concern about rising costs and lack of transparency regarding when the project might be scrapped.

Argues that HS2 is not outdated but rather a future-oriented project. Emphasises the need for improved rail capacity in Manchester, stating HS2 will free up slots at key stations like Stockport and contribute to freight capacity. Advocates for revisiting Piccadilly station design to avoid blight and ensure long-term economic benefits. Highlights the importance of connectivity between Metrolink, HS2, and Northern Powerhouse Rail. Raises concerns about the closure of the Ashton-under-Lyne Metrolink line during construction, arguing it will cause congestion and undermine green initiatives. Proposes an alternative solution involving a shuttle service to maintain transport connections.

Mr. Mullan supports the Bill, arguing that it will bring jobs and investment to his constituency and improve railway capacity for decades. He emphasises the importance of HS2 in encouraging young people to stay in their towns rather than moving to cities for career opportunities. Additionally, he mentions local business growth and job creation due to HS2 projects.

In an intervention during Mr. Mullan's speech, Chris Green agrees that the HS2 project will promote engineering opportunities for young people in the next generation.

Mr. Rodda supports HS2 as a national priority, emphasising its capacity benefits and regeneration potential for major cities and towns. He highlights the economic and environmental advantages of rail investment over car travel in congested urban areas, advocating for wider rail investment to reduce carbon emissions and improve local environments by easing traffic congestion. He also raises concerns about incomplete parts of HS2 in the east midlands and urges the government to learn from Crossrail’s project management skills and interconnection with local business needs.

Supports the HS2 Bill and highlights its importance in leveling up investment disparity between north and south. Argues that the project is necessary for economic development, business connectivity, and job creation. Emphasises the need to integrate HS2 with local public transport networks. Expresses concerns about specific station configurations, particularly the Piccadilly through-station proposal.

Intervened to support his colleague's point regarding north-south connectivity. Highlighted that HS2 and associated rail investments are part of a broader £96 billion investment plan for the North of England.

Raised concerns about connectivity issues within Greater Manchester, noting that it takes 1 hour 40 minutes to travel from Northwich to Crewe despite them being relatively close. Criticised the lack of disabled access on certain routes.

Asked Chris Clarkson whether opposition members who support HS2 should reconsider their stance against the Public Order Bill, given its potential to prevent protestors from hindering HS2 construction.

Responded positively to Clarkson's emphasis on historical neglect of northern infrastructure investment and welcomed the Government's efforts in addressing this issue through the HS2 project.

Expressed excitement about the potential for HS2 to generate further opportunities similar to Crossrail, encouraging local authorities and businesses to think about spurs off it.

Acknowledged family connections in Rhyl and raised concerns about the impact of poor public transport on tourism industries in north Wales. Asked for an assessment of the economic improvement potential from better rail links.

Emphasised that improving connections along the north Wales coast would also improve connectivity to Northern Ireland via ferries from Holyhead to Dublin, highlighting the importance of connecting all parts of the UK.

Questioned whether it is discriminatory for Manchester airport to be expected to make a financial contribution towards its HS2 station, when other airports along the line are not required to do so.

Mr. Smith expresses strong opposition to HS2, arguing that the project has no quantifiable benefits and imposes significant human misery on local communities. He raises concerns about the loss of rail passengers, questioning why £100 billion is being invested in a project with a low benefit-cost ratio (BCR). Mr. Smith also highlights specific examples of disruption in his constituency, including road closures, increased costs for daycare centres, and damage to farmland and local businesses due to HS2 construction activities.

Mr. Robert Largan argues that HS2 is a significant infrastructure project crucial for long-term strategic benefits, despite short-term political gains being difficult to achieve. He emphasises capacity issues on existing lines and highlights the economic benefits of rail freight movement from quarries in his constituency. Mr. Largan also addresses concerns over costs, environmental impact, and local line investments.

Mr. Peter Bone interjects to suggest that decisions like HS2 are often made with little consideration for implementation, potentially leading to white elephants.

Mr. Chris Clarkson interjects humorously about Labour’s northern focus being limited to north-west London.

Mr. Greg Smith questions why HS2 had to be built as a high-speed line through sensitive areas if it is primarily about capacity, suggesting an alternative route.

Ms. Katherine Fletcher interjects to defend HS2's benefits for her constituents in Wellingborough and challenges Mr. Bone’s criticism by highlighting train accessibility.

Ms. Esther McVey interjects with a brief comment: 'Not today.'

Ms. Yvonne Fovargue questions Mr. Grundy's position on mitigation measures proposed by TfGM, such as the green tunnel at Lowton, to alleviate effects on constituents in Leigh.

Mr. Chris Matheson points out that there is a similar situation among his own party where some Members are for and against HS2, mirroring Mr. Grundy's criticism of Labour inconsistency.

Mr. Gavin Newlands interjects but does not provide a detailed argument in his intervention.

Carter argues that the north of England needs investment in rail infrastructure, citing the £96 billion plan by the Government as a step towards levelling up. He criticises the HS2 Golborne spur for causing local disruption and welcomes its suspension. Carter also highlights the £42 million investment in Warrington’s public transport, including zero-emission buses, which will improve frequency and keep fares low.

Intervenes to support the plan for growth in Warrington as a thriving economic hub that can benefit neighbouring areas like Leyland through improved public transport connections.

Intervenes to highlight the cancellation of the eastern leg of HS2, arguing it levelled down the north and criticises current train services that leave constituents waiting up to an hour and 40 minutes for a train.

The hon. Member for Slough highlighted the opposition to HS2 from several Members and their concerns about consultation, local transport links, and capacity issues. He emphasised the need for better procurement practices, more British companies in contracts, and value for money for taxpayers. He expressed disappointment with the Government's lack of ambition and urged them to address key areas of concern.

[INTERVENTION] The hon. Member for Reading East agreed that railway towns across the country would benefit from strategic procurement, and he urged the Government to consider this approach.

Amesbury raised specific concerns about geology due to salt mines around the spur of the line, urging the Minister for a swift response.

Newlands inquired about the impact on journey times from Glasgow to London without the Golborne link, indicating support for HS2.

Henry expressed optimism about the project's future and asked about conversations regarding an eastern leg of HS2 that would benefit his constituents in Broxtowe.

Davies criticised the wholehearted support for the bill from both sides, expressing concern over potential waste of taxpayer money.

Mullan humorously acknowledged the 'gay abandon' in support for the bill from both government and opposition benches, showing a light-hearted approach to the debate.

Bhatti addressed concerns over construction work in his constituency of Balsall Common and requested meetings with officials to discuss these issues.

Stringer expressed dissatisfaction with the Minister's response, requesting a meeting with Greater Manchester MPs to further discuss the matter. He also suggested commissioning another report on the cost of not having an underground station.

Gwynne highlighted fundamental disagreements between Greater Manchester MPs, the Mayor, and councils concerning HS2, suggesting a meeting to break this impasse.

Rodda requested meetings with officials to address local issues relating to Old Oak Common, the Western Rail Link, and other matters in his area.