LONG journey for proposals

October 2008: The Government announces it has ordered a study into building high-speed rail lines to the North amid a growing revolt by Labour MPs and Ministers.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd Oct 2010, 20:27 BST
Updated 4th Oct 2010, 01:19 BST

January 2009: Hopes of a high-speed rail link between Yorkshire and London suffered a setback after Ministers ordered proposals for a line only as far as the Midlands.

February 2009: The Government said it may consider building two high speed lines to the North with one passing through the heart of Yorkshire.

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March 2010: The Government reaffirmed its pledge to take plans for High Speed Rail forward but failed to provide any concrete figures for how the whole network would be funded.

June 2010: The campaign for a direct high-speed rail link between Yorkshire and London was boosted after Tory Ministers signalled they were willing to rethink proposals to force passengers to go via Manchester.

October 2010: Government announces it will back “Y” shaped network after all, giving direct high-speed link to Yorkshire.

Early 2011: Consultation to be published on entire high-speed network as detailed plans for route from Birmingham to South Yorkshire and Leeds are drawn up.

2015 onwards: Work starts on London to Birmingham line.

Early 2020s: Work starts from Birmingham to South Yorkshire and Leeds, taking about seven years to complete.

Related topics:GovernmentSouth YorkshireLabourNorthMPsLondon