“It is crystal clear that the eastern leg of HS2 must go ahead in full,” said Lord McLoughlin who served as Secretary of State from 2012 to 2016. “Any further delay will undermine the economic future of the East Midlands, at a time when we need to be decisive and boost business confidence.”

His comments came after campaign group HS2 East published research yesterday showing that just one in five people in the Midlands and the north are confident the Government is doing enough to ‘level up’ the UK economy.

Three fifths were also concerned that the Covid-19 pandemic would widen social and economic inequalities while almost half thought it may stop Government from investing in infrastructure, as well as welfare and affordable housing.

“In particular, the new HS2 East Midlands Hub at Toton is a hugely exciting opportunity for development, and one that we cannot pass by,” emphasised Lord McLoughlin. “If Government is going to successfully level up, it must give this project the green light.”
Lord Adonis – who served as Transport Secretary from 2009 to 2010 – also set out the case for delivering the eastern leg in a House of Lords discussion on Monday.

He said that, by pursuing the High Speed Rail (West Midlands - Crewe) Bill, the Government is making clear its determination for HS2 to go to Manchester. But he added: “At the same time, the Government also raised a very big question mark about the line going to Sheffield and Leeds. They did not reaffirm the route.”

He said a “battle royale” is currently taking place within Whitehall over whether the eastern leg will proceed and claimed attempts were being made to “axe the eastern leg by means of endless review”.

Responding in the House of Lords, Transport Minister Baroness Vere of Norbiton said “plans to provide the benefits of high speed rail to the east Midlands, Yorkshire and beyond will be confirmed” following publication of an integrated rail plan, due before the end of the year.

“Both the Prime Minister and the Transport Secretary have been clear,” she said, “that a properly connected line from the Midlands up to the north will be a key part of the HS2 project”.

(Image: Capita)