Jones reiterates government backing for HS2 Phase 2

The Government’s commitment to building the full HS2 network to northern England remains “undiminished”, according to Rail Minister Andrew Jones.

Speaking at Transport for the North’s inaugural conference in Sheffield on February 11, Jones described as “nonsense” claims that Phase 2 of the project to Leeds and Manchester will be scrapped due to mounting costs.

“In case you have seen any recent newspaper stories claiming that the northern stages of HS2 might not be built - they are complete nonsense,” he said.

“HS2 was conceived and developed and is now being delivered as a national railway, and in particular to improve links for the North and Midlands.

“Our commitment to HS2, the full network to Manchester and Leeds, remains undiminished. As the Secretary of State [for Transport, Chris Grayling] said recently, to do otherwise would be a betrayal of the North.”

With HS2 Phase 2 not due to open until 2033, Jones said that government was already heavily investing in more immediate improvements to transport in the North.

As a Harrogate MP, he expressed his personal as well as professional interest in delivering more than £13 billion worth of committed investment over the next five years on projects, including Network Rail’s Trans-Pennine Route Upgrade and a new fleet of trains for the Tyne & Wear Metro, as well as TfN’s wider ambitions.

“I am here today as a representative of central government, but Yorkshire is my home and so I know how frustrating journeys can be with cramped trains and congested roads,” he said.

“I am as enthusiastic about improving transport as anyone in this room, but it won’t be easy after decades of underinvestment.

“But it’s important to see today’s strategic vision in context. We have a record of underinvestment but we are not starting from scratch.”

Jones said that decisions on Northern Powerhouse Rail would be made within the next year, for possible inclusion in the legislation for HS2 Phase 2b when it is laid before Parliament.

“HS2 won’t solve everything. It can’t tackle the east-west links we need so badly, which is why we also need Northern Powerhouse Rail.

“They are both transformative projects, they will bring new life to the towns and cities of the North and free up capacity on our road and rail network. It is not one or the other, it is both. Both are needed for our region.”