Transport Secretary targets Bill to commit to second phase of HS2

Date: 26/2/2013

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has outlined plans for a Bill to confirm when the HS2 project will reach West Yorkshire.

With current legislation only granting legal powers for the line to be laid between London and Birmingham, Mr McLoughlin is seeking to define the Government's commitment to the phase two proposals through defining them by law.

"Introducing a paving Bill will allow parliament to underline our commitment to high-speed rail," he said.

"Crucially, it will also give us the spending powers much sooner that will enable us to get moving on the detailed design work for the scheme."

According to the Transport Secretary, the Bill would determine "when, not if" the HS2 line will reach West Yorkshire - a move designed to boost confidence in the region.

Indeed, with the idea being that the high-speed link will stimulate investment in the North as companies look to take advantage of the economic opportunities it is expected to offer, a legal commitment to the project would serve as an added assurance for businesses.

Posted by Sarah Bailey

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