HS2 Cancellation and Network North

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.

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.

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.

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, 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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?