McLoughlin reaffirms Conservative pledge to bring high-speed rail

TORY CAMPAIGN chief Patrick McLoughlin has reaffirmed his party’s commitment to delivering high speed rail links to the region, as he stressed the “vital importance” of investing in Northern infrastructure. Speaking to

the former Transport Secretary dismissed concerns that projects like Northern Powerhouse Rail are no longer a priority for the party, pointing to the recent revamp of Leeds station as an example of the “dramatic” infrastructure investments a Tory government has overseen.

He also accused the Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn of being a “late convert” in his calls for greater investment in the North, claiming the Islington MP has always been highly London-centric in his views. This is despite Mr Corbyn’s previous claim that he would prioritise HS3 above London’s Crossrail 2.

“The (Conservative) party gets infrastructure, and has seen dramatic increase in the infrastructure in the northern cities,” Mr McLoughlin told this paper.

“I was the Secretary of State for Transport that issued a letter of instruction to the permanent secretary to get rid of the pacer trains (and) the pacer trains will be gone in two years time.

“The new opening at Leeds city station has made a big difference it has opened up that whole south side of the city.

“One of the most important things for government to do is infrastructure investment... it is vitally important we get that right.

“I’ve heard the leader of the Labour party talking about the lack of investment in the North... well he’s a late convert, is all I can say.”