Crunch time approaches in vital debate over high-speed rail links

THE Government will unveil its long-awaited proposals for a high-speed rail network this week amid last-minute calls for the region to get a multi-billion pound boost through a direct link to London.

Transport Secretary Andrew Adonis will unveil his vision after months of pressure for the region to be included in the 250mph network, which could slash journey times from Yorkshire to London.

As well as presenting a detailed route for a line from London to the West Midlands – planned to an accuracy of a few metres – he will put forward proposals for a wider network to extend the line to Yorkshire and beyond.

Business leaders have billed the announcement as “pivotal” to the future of the region’s economy and fierce pressure – including through the Yorkshire Post’s Fast Track to Yorkshire campaign – is credited with changing the original plan for a single line from London to Scotland to a comprehensive network.

A report prepared for Ministers by High Speed Two – an arms length company of rail experts set up to advise the Government – recommended a single line to Birmingham should then branch into two, with one going to the North West and the other through Yorkshire to the North East. One of them would be extended to Scotland.

If Lord Adonis throws his weight behind the “Y” shaped network, campaigners will insist that Yorkshire is not forced to wait until after the branch to the North-West is completed.

Nick Pontone, policy director of Yorkshire and Humber Chambers of Commerce, said: “This announcement is pivotal to the long term economic prosperity of Yorkshire. The White Paper, and crucially the response of all political parties to it, will define the shape of billions of pounds worth of investment over the next 30 years.

“A high speed rail network would take decades to build, but the key decisions taken now about the route will set the template for this investment. An east coast line running through Sheffield and Leeds, and connecting our major cities, would open up new markets and has the potential to transform the economy of the North.

“Our region’s campaign for an east coast line has gathered momentum in the past year and we now expect this to be reflected in the White Paper with plans for a proper high speed rail network. There are many hurdles still to overcome and Yorkshire will need to continue to lobby hard.”

Last week Lord Adonis promised his announcement would mark a “dramatic moment” in the development of transport policy.

Other networks considered but not recommended by High Speed Two include the Tories’ favoured route – from London to Birmingham, Manchester then Leeds – and the “High Speed North” proposal put forward by Harrogate railway engineer Colin Eliff and backed by Leeds North West MP Greg Mulholland, which would see a single spinal route alongside the M1 from London to Scotland with spurs off to Birmingham, Manchester and Newcastle.

Mr Eliff warned that the project risks being caught up in “trench warfare” with protesters if the line goes through the Chilterns to get to Birmingham.