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HS2 Cancellation and Network North
17 January 2024
Lead MP
Jack Brereton
Stoke-on-Trent South
Con
Responding Minister
Huw Merriman
Tags
EmploymentTransportBenefits & Welfare
Word Count: 14397
Other Contributors: 12
At a Glance
Jack Brereton raised concerns about hs2 cancellation and network north in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
I ask the government to ensure that funding from the cancellation of HS2 phase 2a is used to deliver local railway restoration projects such as Meir station and the Stoke-to-Leek line. It is essential that these initiatives are fully funded without requiring a local contribution, thereby enabling them to proceed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
I am concerned about the cancellation of HS2 phase 2a, which would have caused significant disruption in Staffordshire. There has been a loss of local stations such as Etruria and Wedgwood due to previous transport decisions. The compulsory purchase order process for properties affected by HS2 must be concluded, and efforts should focus on delivering local projects that can enhance connectivity and productivity.
Bill Cash
Con
Stone
He mentions that there was a successful campaign to reopen Stone station, noting a significant increase in footfall since its reopening. This demonstrates the necessity of revitalising these stations. He highlights the importance of understanding whether the Handsacre link will proceed. Mr Cash congratulated Jack Brereton on his speech and expressed relief at the cancellation of HS2 in his constituency. He urged the Government to closely monitor the winding-up process of HS2, ensure proper compensation for affected constituents, and improve regional transport networks.
Gavin Newlands
SNP
Paisley and Renfrewshire North
He disagreed with the debate's conclusions, highlighting the cancellation of HS2 as a missed opportunity for capacity gains north of Birmingham. He cited statistics from Select Committee hearings that showed reduced rail capacity and increased journey times due to the decision. Newlands emphasized the historical failure of the UK Government in delivering promised infrastructure improvements outside London, contrasting this with Scotland's recent progress in expanding its railway network.
Gavin Williamson
Con
Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge
Congratulates the Minister on cancelling HS2 phases 2a and 2b. Argues that local rail investment should take priority over large projects like HS2. Highlights improvements in passenger numbers due to electrification of Chase line. Asks the Minister to review detrimental impacts of recent timetable changes on local services. Suggests extending Manchester-Stoke service to Stafford for better east-west connectivity and freight transport. Welcomes additional £4.4 million for road repairs in south Staffordshire.
Grahame Morris
Lab
Easington
I ask for a commitment from the Government regarding the Handsacre junction and its potential impact on freight services, highlighting the need to maximise capacity in this critical area.
James Grundy
Con
Bury South
James Grundy, an anti-HS2 campaigner before becoming an MP, praised the cancellation of HS2 and highlighted issues such as communities being paralysed by uncertainty and businesses unable to invest. He paid tribute to colleagues who fought against the project and noted that people in Greater Manchester wanted better connections between Manchester and Liverpool rather than increased commutes to London. Grundy also pointed out that places like Warrington Bank Quay would become regional backwaters due to HS2, making it inconvenient for constituents from his area to travel on the line.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Ms Saville-Roberts criticised the HS2 project for its high costs, stating that Wales is losing out on £3.9 billion in much-needed funds while Scotland and Northern Ireland are receiving Barnett consequentials. She questioned why Wales should not receive similar funding. She also highlighted the need for extra funding within Wales to improve transport infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, and stressed the importance of full consequential funding from Network North projects. Additionally, she pointed out that the current £1 billion pledge for the electrification of the north Wales main line is insufficient compared to recent estimates. Ms Saville-Roberts also drew attention to significant cuts in bus services over the past 15 years, with rural bus service frequency dropping by 50.5% in her county of Gwynedd. Will the Minister give way?
Lichfield
He congratulates the hon. Friend on securing this debate, stressing its importance for Staffordshire. He asks where funds will be allocated in the West Midlands region and expresses keen interest in extending the cross-city line to serve Lichfield and Burton. He also seeks clarity regarding funding availability for a station serving the National Memorial Arboretum. Michael Fabricant intervened to compare UK commuter lines with those in France, noting that French lines run slower due to lower population density and a different planning process. Asked the hon. Member to give way during the debate.
Rob Butler
Con
Aylesbury
Mr Butler spoke about his opposition to HS2 since becoming an MP and the blight it has caused in Aylesbury. He welcomed the cancellation of phase 2 but expressed concern over potential delays or lack of funding for essential projects like the south-east Aylesbury link road and the eastern link road, which were part of Network North.
William Cash
Con
Stone
I welcome the cancellation of HS2 phase 2a and support restoring local stations such as Stone. The focus should be on delivering connectivity gains for Staffordshire through Network North.
Steve Double
Con
St Austell and Newquay
I highlight the issue with Handsacre junction, suggesting that HS2 Ltd revert to the original design to ensure capacity is maximised. The focus should be on delivering projects that benefit Staffordshire.
Therese Coffey
Con
Suffolk Coastal
Ms Therese Coffey emphasised the importance of Network North's investment in rail connections for Felixstowe, highlighting plans to increase freight trains and improve resilience through preparatory work on the Haughley junction. She urged the Minister to give the go-ahead for this £20 million project to proceed. Additionally, she discussed HS2 cancellation impacts, advocating for land purchased for farming use and maintaining the £2 bus fare until the end of 2023. Coffey also touched upon significant road investments on the A12 and A14, pothole concerns in Suffolk, and the scrutiny of a new contractor's performance.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
Rail should connect every part of the country, yet HS2's cancellation leaves a missed opportunity. The Government's mismanagement has led to spiralling costs and a lack of capacity for rail improvement. Network North plans divert £8 billion from railways to roads, undermining net zero goals. Scrapping HS2 phase 2 will increase road congestion and pollution. Tens of thousands of jobs are lost with no clear plan for Great British Railways. Asked if the Minister would give way during the debate. Will the Minister give way?
Government Response
Huw Merriman
Government Response
The Government have redirected £36 billion from HS2 towards Network North, a programme aimed at enhancing connectivity in the north and midlands through faster journeys, increased capacity, and more reliable services across rail, bus, and road networks. The minister emphasised that every region will receive equal or greater transport investment compared to what would have been allocated under the original HS2 plan. Delivery of phase 1 of HS2 between Euston and the west midlands is continuing as planned with initial high-speed services expected from 2029-33, while safeguarding on former phase 2a will be lifted shortly without triggering a sell-off of property already acquired. Land disposal plans are being carefully developed to avoid disrupting local property markets and to return land under certain conditions back to its original owners. The minister dismissed Labour's ability to make decisions on HS2 or Network North due to their lack of clarity, while affirming the Government's commitment to various regional projects such as Meir station in Stoke-on-Trent, the Ely and Haughley capacity enhancement project, and cross-city line funding. He also pledged to review West Coast Main Line timetables and explore further pothole funding for MPs.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.