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Integrated Rail Plan: North and Midlands
18 November 2021
Lead MP
Grant Shapps
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
TransportBusiness & TradeBenefits & Welfare
Other Contributors: 47
At a Glance
Grant Shapps raised concerns about integrated rail plan: north and midlands in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
The Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, announced a £96 billion integrated rail plan aimed at transforming railway services in the north and midlands. This programme aims to deliver faster journeys, increased capacity, and more frequent services up to 10 years sooner than previously planned for eight of the ten busiest rail corridors in these regions. The announcement follows a review by Douglas Oakervee, who criticised the original HS2 project as being isolated from other transport networks, leading to an integrated approach that now includes £23 billion for Northern Powerhouse Rail and TransPennine route upgrade, and additional investments in electrification and cycling/walking infrastructure. Key benefits include reduced journey times between cities such as Birmingham and Nottingham (from 1 hour and a quarter to 26 minutes) and enhanced connectivity across smaller towns and villages. The plan also includes fare reforms with £360 million for contactless ticketing at urban stations. Shapps emphasised that this is the largest single act of levelling up by any Government, delivering services years earlier than previously planned.
Graham Stringer
Lab
Blackley
Question
The MP questioned whether the Secretary of State could guarantee that HS2 trains will run into Leeds before 2041. He also asked if there was enough parliamentary time to discuss the plan properly.
Minister reply
The minister responded by confirming the commitment to take HS2 trains to Leeds, stating that the study on this matter is ongoing and it is part of the plan's guiding principles.
Jim McMahon
Lab
Oldham West
Question
The MP criticised the Secretary of State for failing to deliver Northern Powerhouse Rail as promised and questioned the reduction in funding allocated compared to what was previously committed.
Minister reply
The minister defended the plan, emphasising that it delivers faster benefits than the original HS2 project would have, with similar or better services arriving earlier. He also pointed out that £96 billion is a significant investment.
Jim McMahon
Lab Co-op
Oldham West and Royton
Question
The MP questioned the Secretary of State's pride in presenting a plan that betrays previous promises to Leeds, the north, and Midlands for Northern Powerhouse Rail. He highlighted the promise of a new line connecting Manchester and Leeds which was broken by Boris Johnson upon becoming Prime Minister.
Minister reply
Grant Shapps defended the investment as the single biggest ever, pointing out that £40 billion has already been committed towards Birmingham to Crewe lines, benefiting the Midlands and North. He emphasised improvements such as a 12-minute journey time between Bradford and Leeds and challenged the sector to electrify faster and more efficiently.
Huw Merriman
Con
Bexhill and Battle
Question
The MP questioned the feasibility of delivering the plan on schedule and at a lower cost compared to other countries, particularly regarding the cost efficiency of electrifying rail tracks.
Minister reply
Grant Shapps acknowledged the high costs in Britain for electrification but highlighted that a lot is being done now. He mentioned that the rail Minister is carrying out an electrification challenge to bring down these costs and improve delivery speed.
Gavin Newlands
SNP
Paisley and Renfrewshire North
Question
I thank the Secretary of State for advance sight of his statement, although I did read most of it in a newspaper beforehand. I do admire the Secretary of State’s hutzpah for the most bullish U-turn I have yet seen in this place... Can he confirm that Barnett will also apply to Scotland’s funding? Given that the Scottish Government are miles ahead of the UK on decarbonisation, electrification and active travel, at least we know something useful will be done with that cash.
Minister reply
As the hon. Member knows, the Treasury is going to Darlington and the DFT has actually gone to Leeds and Birmingham... There are lots of benefits, when it comes to Scotland, from bringing these journey times way down as a result of this investment in HS2, and this plan today delivers on that.
Martin Vickers
Con
Brigg and Immingham
Question
I welcome the Secretary of State’s statement, which I think is a good balance between what was hoped for and what can actually be achieved. Can he assure me that the restored direct link between Cleethorpes and King’s Cross, which is in the London North Eastern Railway draft timetable, will indeed begin next year or certainly by 2023? Can he also assure me that the east-west freight corridor from the Humber ports is still a priority?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. I missed that out in my foreword and I apologise—Cleethorpes should certainly get a mention... Just a week or two ago I visited the ports, and I know the importance of connectivity with those ports.
Hilary Benn
Lab
Leeds South
Question
The Prime Minister repeatedly promised that HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail would be built in full. Today that promise has been broken, and Leeds and the north have been betrayed... What is the purpose of doing that?
Minister reply
I think I can reassure the right hon. Gentleman... We will provide a journey time of 33 minutes from Leeds to Manchester, which he will know is a very significant improvement.
Robbie Moore
Con
Keighley and Ilkley
Question
The creation of economic prosperity across Keighley and the whole Bradford district is something I care deeply about... Will my right hon. Friend explain to the House what the Government are doing to deliver better, more reliable, and cheaper rail services for my constituents in Keighley?
Minister reply
Let me make sure that my hon. Friend understands and appreciates the full relevance of today: a 12-minute journey from Bradford to Leeds... The advantages I am talking about such as the 12-minute journey, and 30 minutes off the journey from Bradford to London, will be delivered in his first couple of terms as a Member of Parliament.
Newcastle upon Tyne North
Question
The Secretary of State knows fine well that the promised integrated infrastructure investment is about capacity as much as travel times... Is this not just another broken promise from this Prime Minister and Chancellor, who have seemingly cancelled levelling up because there are Tories on the line?
Minister reply
Listening to the hon. Lady, one would think I had just come to the Dispatch Box to announce that Newcastle will have a longer journey time to London... The journey from Newcastle to London will be 21 minutes shorter.
Andrew Jones
Con
Harrogate and Knaresborough
Question
I thank my right hon. Friend for his statement and I look forward to reading the detail of the plan... Will he provide a bit more detail on the timescales for delivery? Specifically, when will people in Yorkshire be able to take advantage of the enhanced services he is talking about?
Minister reply
On the environmental advantages, it will interest the House to know that HS2 is being built in as an environmentally friendly a way as possible... This way, the benefits will start to be felt by this Christmas, when work gets under way on the midland main line and from work already under way on the TransPennine route.
Liam Byrne
Lab
Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North
Question
Followed up on the question by Hilary Benn regarding a new east-west division. Noted China's progress in building high-speed rail lines compared to the UK, questioned why plans approved in Cabinet are now destroyed, expressed concern about Birmingham being at the heart of a network but not with the current plan.
Minister reply
Acknowledged differences in safety standards between UK and China. Clarified that Birmingham will benefit from direct connections through city centre stations, no train changes required.
Bill Cash
Con
Stone
Question
Asked about the stretch of HS2 between Birmingham and Crewe impacting his constituency greatly. Inquired if there have been discussions to improve the situation for constituents.
Minister reply
Committed to working with the HS2 Minister, Andrew Stephenson, on mitigating issues through community funds and other benefits along the line.
Diana R. Johnson
Lab
Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Question
Critiqued the lack of mention for Hull in rail improvements despite the city paying more for tickets and receiving a poor service. Questioned if Northern Powerhouse Rail would deliver on promises.
Minister reply
Stated that journey times from Hull to Manchester will be 30 minutes faster, delivering improved efficiency along the east coast main line.
Darren Henry
Con
Question
Welcomed positive announcement for rail infrastructure in the east midlands and asked about plans for Toton in his constituency.
Minister reply
Emphasised commitment to ensuring development funding for Toton, allowing it to fulfill its role with a new station through private sector match-funding.
Graham Stringer
Lab
Blackley and Middleton South
Question
Questioned the decision to build HS2 on stilts in Manchester which could potentially impact regeneration opportunities negatively.
Minister reply
Clarified that tunnels will bring HS2 into Manchester, not on stilts. Stressed that spending wisely ensures other areas receive necessary funding.
Paul Howell
Con
Sedgefield
Question
Welcomed the improved speed of delivery for rail projects and expressed hope for UK provision in supply lines. Asked about impacts on Restoring Your Railway programme at places like Ferryhill.
Minister reply
Stated 97% of HS2 companies are UK-registered, with over 2000 businesses involved. Emphasised capacity improvements for Darlington and benefits to Sedgefield.
Judith Cummins
Lab
Bradford South
Question
Expressed disappointment at missed opportunities for Bradford and the north. Cited risks of economic benefits due to a short-sighted decision.
Minister reply
Stated improvements in journey times from Bradford to Leeds, and faster travel times down to London once work is completed.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Question
HS2 was always a white elephant, but for the east coast line, it is now a white elephant missing a leg. The promised relief of congestion on the east coast main line due to HS2 going to Leeds has not materialised. There is also a long-standing promise of a through train from Grimsby and Cleethorpes to London that remains unfulfilled. Will this promise be kept?
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges the rail upgrades on the east coast main line including digital signalling, which will increase capacity. He indicates that these improvements are more cost-effective than building a new line. The Rail Minister is working on the business case for the Grimsby to London train link.
Clive Betts
Lab
Sheffield South East
Question
There has been significant commitment to HS2 in Sheffield, but today's announcement will cause anger among residents who feel snubbed. The promised electrification of the midland main line has been scrapped twice; will this be the third time lucky? Will there also be investment in the tram network and hospital links?
Minister reply
The Minister confirms that exactly the same journey times as originally promised through HS2 are now available for Sheffield, with upgrades to the midland main line starting by Christmas rather than 2043. The request for a meeting will be accommodated.
Clive Betts
Lab
Sheffield South East
Question
Will there be a meeting?
Minister reply
Yes, the meeting will take place.
Question
Levelling up means improving transport and connectivity links for communities such as Hyndburn and Haslingden. The reopening of the Skipton-to-Colne railway line and a freight terminal is still needed. How will the announced plan achieve levelling up, especially in small projects?
Minister reply
Smart ticketing systems are being introduced to make journeys easier and cap fares for frequent users. While not every community may benefit directly, other programmes such as Restoring Your Railway will bring further opportunities.
Question
The connectivity of towns and cities across the north-west is a priority. There are some benefits to Huddersfield but there seems to be a hole in the middle of this plan. It is not strategic, integrated or ambitious enough.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges that the plan must be stitched into the wider rail network. The Integrated Rail Plan will address many queries and bring about significant improvements for places like Huddersfield.
Question
This decision to scrap HS2 is courageous but it will give better service to more people in constituencies such as Wellingborough. Will the electrification going north from there be completed, and how does this fit with levelling up?
Minister reply
The Minister confirms that the plan includes completing the electrification of the midland main line to Sheffield, bringing significant benefits to the east midlands.
Sarah Olney
Lib Dem
Richmond Park
Question
The announcement scraps plans for rail capacity improvements in the midlands and north. How does this fit with levelling up and tackling climate change?
Minister reply
While affordability of rail travel is important, wider taxpayer money must also be considered. The £96 billion investment package will improve train usage and public transport, which is a worthy goal.
Kevin Hollinrake
Con
Thirsk and Malton
Question
Northern Powerhouse Rail was to have included a new line from Leeds to Bradford and Manchester with shorter journey times. Will this now be more like 45 minutes, and will the economic benefits for regeneration in Bradford be lost?
Minister reply
No, the Minister asserts that there are significant improvements such as a 12-minute journey to Leeds and faster trips to London due to the integrated rail plan.
Question
A real plan for the north would include electrification from Hull to Liverpool, access from Sheffield to Manchester, and connections to Newcastle. Will there be guarantees that this ambitious programme is not hindered by today's announcement?
Minister reply
The Liverpool to York section of the NPR programme will be electrified and have high-speed lines; no harm would be done preventing further advancements in the future.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Question
My right hon. Friend is right to say that not every city, town and village will benefit from this plan, but one thing is for sure, which is that they will all be paying for it and there are opportunity costs. Does he understand the disquiet of my constituents about HS2 and now this plan, given that he has limited bandwidth and what he is spending on one project is not being spent on upgrading services elsewhere? Will he throw my constituents a small crumb by delaying the planned closure of services from Bristol Temple Meads to Waterloo via Trowbridge and Salisbury, pending a proper consultation that will show very clearly that the Great Western Railway service he thinks duplicates services run by South Western Railway is over capacity now and certainly will be once he closes the GWR service?
Minister reply
My right hon. Friend is right that every decision has a trade-off, which is why it is important that we think about the country as a whole. He will be pleased to hear that I was down in the south-west yesterday using South Western Railway, and I appreciate the importance of that service. I will ensure that he meets the Rail Minister, my hon. Friend the Member for Daventry (Chris Heaton-Harris), to discuss his specific concerns.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
Question
Today’s announcement will be a bitter blow to my constituents and the local economy in York, not least because we all know, and the Secretary of State knows, that the trans-Pennine route upgrade will not have the necessary capacity to deliver the rail speeds and connectivity that we need. Will he publish the capacity of that route so that we can understand how my constituents can move west in a timely way?
Minister reply
Yes, I will. The capacity figures are in the document itself. Journey times from York to Manchester, which are 55 minutes today, will be 28 minutes. There will be a dramatic improvement, and it would be extraordinary if she described that as bad news.
Question
I broadly welcome this package of measures, which starts to boost some of the regional economies in the north. Will the Secretary of State make sure that he keeps a keen eye on some of the small local projects, such as the South Fylde line? We currently have one train an hour running from Blackpool South through Fylde and into Preston. We need to make sure that we are investing in such small projects to bring meaningful change.
Minister reply
There is an awful lot coming alongside the IRP, which is just one part of our rail infrastructure. The rail network enhancements pipeline has tens of billions of pounds, and there are also programmes such as the Beeching reversals—I have been to my hon. Friend’s patch in the past to talk about some of those reversals.
Question
I was personally invested in HS2 as a member of the hybrid Bill Committee for the section from London to Birmingham. I sat on that Committee for 15 months, so I have some understanding of what is happening. Only nine months, one week and one day ago, the Prime Minister answered my question: “I can certainly confirm that we are going to develop the eastern leg as well as the whole of the HS2.” To people in the north of England who live well north of Leeds, this now looks as though HS2 was affordable for the south but it was not affordable for the north. If we are going to put this right, we need to get local schemes such as the Leamside line, the Bensham curve and the new Gateshead station put into the programme, so that people can see some real benefit.
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman makes a good point about new lines. The Ashington to Newcastle line, which is likely to be the second or third Beeching reversal, will do exactly what he has asked for: it will bring services from Ashington, through Blyth, to Newcastle.
Question
I thank my right hon. Friend for this statement, as there is a lot in the plan to welcome in Nottinghamshire, not least the opportunity to build a new station at Toton, where we can create thousands of jobs. Will he confirm for my Mansfield constituents that there is good news in the plan on the Maid Marian line and Robin Hood line, which can help them to access those jobs at Toton?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend has been an extraordinary advocate, and Nottinghamshire and his Mansfield constituents are big winners today. Toton is coming, along the lines already discussed, and we have that very important tie-up between Birmingham and Nottingham—it just did not exist under previous plans—together with Derby.
Alex Norris
Lab Co-op
Nottingham North and Kimberley
Question
Twice in this Chamber I have asked the Prime Minister to commit to the HS2 eastern leg, and twice he has done so from that Dispatch Box. Today, that promise goes up in smoke, as will thousands of jobs associated with the project in the east midlands—more skilled jobs lost in our community. This is economic vandalism. My constituents will ask me why yet another promise to our community has been broken. Will the Secretary of State tell me what I should say to them?
Minister reply
Yes, the hon. Gentleman should tell them that under this plan trains will come straight into the city centre of Nottingham, which would not have happened under the original HS2 plan.
Question
In addition to the recently announced improvements to the train service from Kettering, including a 46-minute, non-stop London to Kettering service and the reintroduction of the half-hourly service northwards, which was taken out by Labour in 2010, I welcome the better connectivity that will be experienced by rail passengers from Kettering as a result of the integrated rail plan. Will the Secretary of State confirm the timetable for the electrification of the midland main line and, in particular, the section between Kettering and Market Harborough?
Minister reply
The good news is that that is starting very soon. I made reference to work starting by Christmas and I think—this is subject to my checking—that it is actually the Kettering section that will be starting.
Andrew Gwynne
Ind
Gorton and Denton
Question
So in this downgraded plan, the Secretary of State has announced a high-speed line between Liverpool, Warrington, Manchester and the western boundary of Yorkshire. Just what we needed: a Mancunian express to Saddleworth moor. We do not need a study in how to get trains to Leeds. Just build what was promised: the full Northern Powerhouse Rail. That is all we need.
Minister reply
Yes, every Government could simply say, “Why don’t we just do this? Why don’t we do that?” However, eventually, it has to be paid for. More importantly, we want to see it in the lifetime of our constituents now, not in some never-never land in the 2040s.
Question
Residents just north of Crewe in my Eddisbury constituency, and particularly those in and around Wimboldsley, have consistently raised a number of specific concerns about the proposed route through their area—namely in respect of salt and brine subsidence, the location of the HS2 railyard, and the impact on and possible viability of the excellent local primary school. My hon. Friend the HS2 Minister has kindly agreed to meet those residents, but will my right hon. Friend look again at the substantial evidence they have accumulated, so that it can be taken into consideration for any future proposals and he can perhaps come up with a better alternative plan?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The design refinement consultation is under way and will address many of his ongoing concerns.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Question
It is not rocket science: the road to levelling up, however we define it, goes by rail. That is the only way the north can achieve the level of economic integration necessary to deliver the high-pay, high-productivity jobs that my constituents deserve. Will the Secretary of State confirm that this watered-down, broken-promise plan, made in Whitehall, not the north, means that every single Tory MP with a seat in the north-east will go into the next election on a platform of “We did you over last time; please let us do you over again”?
Minister reply
No, they will go in on the platform of saying that we have reduced journey times, provided more seats and increased capacity and reliability. For example, Newcastle to Peterborough is a big winner, with 21 minutes cut off the train journey to London.
Alexander Stafford
Lab Co-op
Rother Valley
Question
On behalf of the people of Rother Valley, I thank the Government for getting rid of the eastern leg of the 2b arm. It was a damaging and destructive thing for South Yorkshire that would have given us no benefits. Will the Secretary of State confirm that, now that we have scrapped that ridiculously expensive project, we are going to invest the money into the projects we actually need, such as better regional buses, better regional transport and better trans-Pennine links?
Minister reply
We are absolutely cognisant of the fact that we can spend the money only once and want to make sure that it benefits as many people as possible, and we are doing exactly that. I have said to the House, we are still going to spend time, energy and money on the best way to get HS2 trains to Leeds, but without some of the disruption that my hon. Friend described.
Alex Sobel
Lab Co-op
Leeds Central and Headingley
Question
I invite the Secretary of State to travel with me the 46 miles from Otley in my constituency to Manchester Piccadilly at peak time. He will then see the twin challenges of connectivity and capacity. First, if the bus turns up in Otley it then takes more than an hour to get to Leeds train station, and there is then the challenge of actually getting on the train to Manchester, because it is full. That is why we need, first, Northern Powerhouse Rail in full, because we need additional capacity, and secondly, £3 billion for a full mass transit system for West Yorkshire to be not just promised but delivered into the coffers of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Minister reply
The good news is that there will be much-improved frequency of trains from Leeds to Manchester—it looks like around three trains an hour will become seven or eight trains an hour under the plan. The hon. Gentleman will thereby get a lot of good things, including a reduction in the capacity restrictions that are the major cause of problems.
Question
I very much welcome what has been announced today. If we are truly to level up opportunities in Stoke-on-Trent, we must address the issues of capacity on the local network, and particularly release the full benefits of HS2 and the fantastic restoring your railway fund projects we have been working on. Will my right hon. Friend agree to look at the capacity enhancements that we want to see on the local network in and around Stoke-on-Trent?
Minister reply
Stoke-on-Trent is, as ever, brilliantly represented by my hon. Friend. He will get HS2 trains into the centre of Stoke, and we will work closely with him to ensure that that benefits his constituents in every possible way.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Question
The strengthening of regional rail is the right thing to do and my right hon. Friend has my support in that respect; however, given that the original HS2 business case was ropey at best, will my right hon. Friend set out what the loss of a leg does to the overall business case? Surely, the right thing to do is to scrap it altogether, save more than £100usb billion and put that into more of the regional schemes.
Minister reply
My hon. Friend should tell that to the 2 miles of tunnel that has already been dug for HS2. I know he has not been the HS2 plan’s firmest supporter, but at this stage, with 20,000 people and hundreds of apprenticeships working with HS2, I think that train has probably left the station.
Question
I welcome the £96 billion, which represents the largest investment in northern railways since Victoria sat on the throne. High Peak sits between the two great cities of Manchester and Sheffield, which are just 30 miles apart but have some of the worst transport links anywhere in the country. I therefore welcome the Government’s commitment to tackle the issue with, first, the Mottram bypass and Glossop spur road, and secondly, the upgrade to the Hope Valley line, which I am pleased to see is included in the integrated rail plan. Will the Secretary of State agree to work with me and meet me so that we can ensure that not only Manchester and Sheffield but passengers from places such as New Mills, Chinley, Edale, Hope and Bamford benefit from that upgrade?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend has been a doughty campaigner for his constituents and, as he says, work on the Hope Valley line is under way, as confirmed in the programme announced today. I am sure that it will bring the wider benefits that my hon. Friend’s constituents so desperately want.
Richard Holden
Con
Basildon and Billericay
Question
By anyone’s standards, £96 billion is a major investment. Will the Secretary of State outline the improvements and timetable for services from Durham and Darlington to London and to the great cities of the north? The key thing for communities such as North West Durham, where we currently have no train lines at all, is connectivity, so will the Secretary of State assure me and the other north-east MPs who have already spoken that he and the DFT will continue to look at and work with us on connectivity for our constituencies?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend will be pleased to know that Darlington is a big winner out of this package. The improved journey times and reliability from places such as Durham because of the east coast main line upgrades will make a big difference. I know that my hon. Friend is already making significant progress on his restoring your railway bids, because he has recently had success on that front.
Kieran Mullan
Con
Bexhill and Battle
Question
HS2 is going to be transformative for my Crewe and Nantwich seat, bringing jobs and investment, so I am delighted that the Government have today committed to the Crewe-Manchester leg, which will bring journey times to the airport down to 15 minutes and journey times into Manchester itself down to less than half an hour, as well as, of course, freeing up the existing route. In respect of the leg from Birmingham to Crewe, I saw how important the passing of legislation was to unlock business confidence and investment, so will the Secretary of State outline when we can expect legislation on the Crewe to Manchester leg to pass into law?
Minister reply
The House will be considering a hybrid Bill for the Crewe to Manchester section, which is reconfirmed by the integrated rail plan announced today. The legislation will be introduced early next year, so it is all systems go.
Question
It is really difficult for me to share the optimism about today’s announcement, because it is very disappointing to hear that HS2 phase 2b will not be scrapped in full. I know that my constituents will share that disappointment. We are the most affected constituency, with phase 1 and now phase 2b, yet we are not seeing any of the perceived benefits and are already seeing families, communities and businesses in areas such as Coleshill and Water Orton devastated. Now that is going to carry on for many years to come. Will the Secretary of State confirm what reassessment is being made of the already fragile HS2 business case, particularly now that it will not extend fully to the north in the foreseeable future? What benefits does he think today’s wider announcement will bring for my constituents?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend quite rightly and properly highlights the challenges; any major building project can have big impacts on his constituents and others, and that can be too easily forgotten in debates in the House. I know that the individual business cases on the different phases of HS2 are being taken forward. The HS2 Minister has already visited my hon. Friend, and I recommit today to making sure that we do everything possible with him to best represent his constituents, because I appreciate that HS2 does not benefit an area just because it cuts through it.
Question
I welcome the integrated rail plan and the wider electrification project that the Government are pursuing—including the link between Bolton and Wigan—but my constituents, whether going from Horwich Parkway or Hag Fold into Manchester, have concerns about reliability because of a bottleneck in Manchester. What will my right hon. Friend do to ensure that Manchester improves its reliability, capacity and connectivity?
Minister reply
The Manchester recovery taskforce, mentioned on page 104 of the integrated rail plan, is working on that very knotty problem of what happens in the corridor as we come through and out of Manchester. It is one thing that this plan seeks to resolve, and it will help my hon. Friend’s constituents in Bolton to get that electrification, particularly between Wigan and Bolton, sorted out as well.
Question
I congratulate the Secretary of State and his excellent team on this far more sensible approach. However, may I respectfully suggest that the lesson from the HS2 debacle—it is not so much a turkey as a white elephant—is that never again must a politician’s vanity project, and a New Labour one at that, be allowed to gather a head of steam? Secondly, is he sure that the £40 billion on the Birmingham to Crewe route is the best use of public money, when there would be far more support in this House for properly funding all the northern powerhouse? Thirdly, may I gently remind him that the Wessex routes are the most underfunded and overused in Britain?
Minister reply
I was wondering how the Isle of Wight might benefit from HS2. Of course it will when my hon. Friend’s constituents cross to the mainland and want to travel north. With regard to Birmingham to Crewe, it has already been legislated for, and it received support from across the House.
Shadow Comment
Jim McMahon
Shadow Comment
Jim McMahon criticised the integrated rail plan for betraying promises made to the north and midlands. He highlighted that the scaling back of Northern Powerhouse Rail and scrapping the eastern leg of HS2 is a significant blow, promising 150,000 jobs and connecting 13 million people but now appears unlikely. McMahon pointed out that since George Osborne's announcement in 2014, there have been 60 recommitments to Northern Powerhouse Rail. The shadow secretary argued for more evenly spread investment across the country rather than prioritising London and the south-east. He also criticised fare increases and under-delivery of zero-emission buses, stressing Labour’s commitment to creating good-quality jobs in every region.
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