PM backs superfast rail link (From Ilkley Gazette)

PM backs superfast rail link

9:10am Saturday 23rd June 2012 in Local news

The Prime Minister has given assurances the new superfast railway linking London with Leeds and Manchester will go ahead.

David Cameron was questioned by Ilkley MP Kris Hopkins about the High Speed 2 project during Prime Minister’s Question Time in the House of Commons last week.

Mr Hopkins asked for assurances about the scheme to link into the current rail network and improve travel times to the capital from Ilkley, Bingley, Shipley and Bradford. He believes the scheme is vital to the economy and jobs in the North.

In response, Mr Cameron told Mr Hopkins he was “very grateful for that enthusiastic endorsement”.

“I believe we should go ahead with High Speed 2,” the Prime Minister added. “I think it’s very important for the economy of our country. I think it’s very important we get on board this high speed rail revolution. I am very keen we press ahead with it.”

Afterwards, Mr Hopkins said he believed High Speed 2 was a necessary means of increasing capacity, as well as reducing journey times between London and the North.

“Overcrowding on the East Coast mainline at the present time is unaccep-table and unsustainable,” the Conservative MP said.

“We need this project to proceed with the minimum of delay. Having now rec-eived the Prime Minister’s personal assurances about its future, I would encour-age everyone across the North who supports High Speed 2 – in business, across the political parties and elsewhere – to come togeth-er to help us deliver it.”