One of the debate themes in Parliament in the last ten days of July was a session called “HS2 – Question” on 23rd July. Jennifer Randerson, the Welsh Liberal Democrat and Member of the House of Lords opened the debate and answered by Peter Hendy, Labour MP, transport executive and the Minister of State for Rail. A number of people contributed including the Bishop of Leeds, Nick Baines. Here is the initial speech from Jennifer with a question and the response by Peter:

Jennifer: To ask His Majesty’s Government what plans they have for reviewing the impact of the decision to abandon plans to build further stages of HS2.

Peter: This Government are clear that transport is an essential part of our mission to rebuild Britain, and we are committed to delivering infrastructure that works for the whole country. We need a long-term approach to infrastructure and investment taking account of local transport priorities, which is what we will provide. We will review the position we have inherited thoroughly and at pace, and we will set out more detailed plans in due course.

And later the comment from Nick and a response by Peter Hendy:

Nick: My Lords, one of the mysteries of HS2 was that you could get to places like Leeds 16 minutes quicker, but you could not get anywhere else when you got there because of deficiencies in the northern network. What confidence can we have that any other plans that come forward will be realised and improve the situation in the north?

Peter: Reintroducing the High Speed Rail (Crewe – Manchester) Bill is the first step in doing so, by providing powers to develop, construct and operate railway infrastructure that is key to improving interregional and northern rail connectivity, which, of course, generates economic growth, jobs and housing.