Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham had today questioned whether the Tory-led Government has any intention of bringing High Speed Rail to the North East.
The Government plans to build a new High Speed Rail Line from London to Birmingham but has not used the forthcoming legislation to take the legal powers needed to take the new line beyond Birmingham.
The £17 billion High Speed Line from London to Birmingham will cut the current journey time to just 49 minutes, bringing two of our major cities closer together when the line is completed in 2026.
Alex said:
“The Coalition’s record on the railways is not good. Since May they have slashed plans for 1300 new carriages and cancelled station upgrades.”
“The Government must commit to the extension to Manchester and Leeds which is expected to be the next phase of the High Speed Rail project. This extension will link in with existing lines meaning journey times to Teesside and Newcastle will be significantly reduced.”
“The fact that the Government has not sought to legislate for this next crucial part of the route casts real doubt over whether High Speed Rail will reach the North East.”
“If our region is to reach its full potential and not be left behind the Government must commit to the next phase of the project and I will be doing all I can to put pressure on the Government to ensure the extension beyond Birmingham goes ahead.”