Transport ministers confirm Meadowhall route for HS2 still an option

Last year, the Government unveiled a new route for phase two of the high speed project, which abandoned plans for a hub at the shopping centre in favour of a spur to Sheffield Midland.

However, MPs from across the region have united to press for a review of the route, arguing that it fails to deliver the speed and cost benefits of the Government's original proposals.

This campaign has been spearheaded by the Doncaster MP Ed Miliband, who claims ministers risk selling South Yorkshire "down the river" unless they are willing to reconsider Meadowhall.

Leading a debate in Parliament, the Labour MP argued that the new M18 route would not only increase journey times between London, Sheffield and Leeds, but also bring fewer services and shorter trains.

He also questioned claims the that new route would cut construction costs by £1 billion, as he suggested this did not include the estimated £600 million cost of building a new parkway station and electrifying parts of the line.

"When I go through the arguments about the benefits to South Yorkshire and look at whether we believe this economic intervention will help South Yorkshire... I am afraid that I do not believe the M18 route adds up," he told ministers.

"Sir David Higgins himself said in October 2014.. that this approach would not deliver 'an equitable approach across the North or meet the vision of a truly high speed network for the country'.

"I believe that this is now an idea without allies. It is not supported in Doncaster, Barnsley or Rotherham, and many people in Sheffield have growing doubts.

"I want the Minister to listen to what he is hearing—the facts and the evidence—and not sell South Yorkshire down the river."

Mr Miliband's calls were echoed by a number of Labour colleagues, including the Sheffield South East MP Clive Betts and the Rother Valley MP Sir Kevin Barron.

But they were also picked up by the Tory MP Jason McCartney, who claimed the Meadowhall option would boost connectivity to Huddersfield and the surrounding towns.

Responding to their comments, transport minister Andrew Jones suggested there was a lack of consensus in the region, with Sheffield council originally advocating a city centre hub.

But asked whether Meadowhall is "still on the table", he told MPs that ministers "have not ruled options out".

"The Government have said that they are minded—but only minded—to go ahead with the proposal from Sir David Higgins," he said.

"HS2 Ltd has run the largest public consultation in British Government history. We have sought to listen to communities and to take on board their comments and concerns at every stage, and that will continue."