Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has said he hopes to see construction begin on Britain’s new high-speed rail network in 2017 after the HS2 hybrid bill was passed in the Commons.
MPs voted 452 to 41 in favour of the bill during its second reading yesterday (April 28).
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “By voting in favour of the hybrid Bill, Parliament has made a clear commitment to a key part of the government’s long term economic plan. HS2 is a once in a generation opportunity to create jobs and develop skills, provide the extra space we need on our rail network for commuters and freight and better connect our biggest cities.
“I am aware of the concerns some who live very close to the HS2 route have. I am ‎confident however that by working together we can ensure this vital new north-south railway is designed in the right way, and we will have spades in the ground in 2017 as planned.”
Using the word “unanimous” to describe this vote is factually incorrect, and dishonest.
Um, there is no word “unanimous” in this article…
Great news! The public now needs to know the benefits of HS2 and why it is really being built, and there needs to be some serious consideration on the environmental impacts of it. An equally ambitious nature restoration project needs to take place, and the route needs to be carefully assessed to try and avoid sensitive areas.
“why it is really being built”
To provide more commuter capacity into London? Can’t have enough focus on the capital, of course.
The WCML is nearing capacity and the only way to drastically increase capacity is by building a new line. That’s the main reason, along with improving transport connections. But the general public believe it is to shave off a few minutes on a north-south journey.
Also, how wouldn’t it benefit the north to have better links to London? Scotland and Newcastle are pretty disappointed that HS2 is not going there.