Transport Secretary Confirms Plans for High Speed Rail

Image Courtesy of DfT

Patrick McLoughlin has spoken about high-speed rail networks for the first time since his reappointment as Transport Secretary. Helping to end the decades old economic gap between north and south through billions of pounds of transport investment is top priority for the government, Patrick McLoughlin has pledged to northern and midland leaders.

In his keynote speech in Leeds, he said that boosting growth in the north, rebalancing the economy and creating a Northern Powerhouse were a vital part of the long-term economic plan.

HS2 and Northern Powerhouse

Mr. McLoughlin said that the election result was a massive vote of confidence in favour of High Speed 2 and confirmed that construction is to start in 2017. Work is also being done to develop plans for the east-west high speed rail links.

The high speed network will transform the transportation infrastructure in the north over the next five years, with hope that a single economy is formed and help Britain compete on a global scale.

In his first speech since the election, Patrick McLoughlin told northern and midland leaders at Leeds Civic Hall: If you think it is significant that I am making it here, in Leeds, on the eastern leg of HS2, and in the north, then you would be absolutely right. And if you think it is a sign of intent that my themes today are growth, infrastructure, and HS2, you would also be right.

Help Build a Northern Powerhouse

Nothing is more important to this government than a healthy economy which benefits all working people. It means rebalancing our economy and building the Northern Powerhouse. We will not waste a moment getting on with the task.

He confirmed that rolling out a national high-speed rail network both HS2 and east to west links – would be at the centre of the governments plans.