Region’s MPs voice support for rail link

A 21-strong group of business leaders, politicians and economists signed a letter to a national daily newspaper stating plans for a new route from London to Birmingham and then on to Leeds and Manchester was “a vanity project” which would cost every family in Britain at least £1,000.

But Pudsey’s Conservative MP, Stuart Andrew, said the letter should be seen as “call to arms” by those who backed the scheme, which was given government support by Transport Secretary Philip Hammond last autumn.

Mr Andrew said: “You can only describe it as a white elephant if you are enjoying the economic benefits the south of England has enjoyed for many years.

“We are trying to extend the benefits further north. It will be a huge step in reducing the economic gap between the north and south.”

Sheffield Central’s Labour MP, Paul Blomfield, also backed the proposed new line.

He said: “High speed rail will bring huge potential for new jobs, investment and economic growth to Sheffield and to Yorkshire. I would have expected these business figures to recognise the importance of investment in UK infrastructure.”

In the Commons, Huddersfield’s Labour MP Barry Sheerman urged Mr Hammond to “keep his nerve” and “ignore the deniers” who refused to recognise the benefits.

Mr Hammond told MPs that opponents of the project, estimated to cost £34m, had identified themselves and their interests in it.

He added: “It is now for those who will stand to benefit the most, particularly in our great northern cities, to voice their support during the consultation period.”

The Transport Secretary also said there was a “strong case” for the electrification of Midland Mainline, which runs from London St Pancras to Sheffield but any decision was contingent on the outcome of the proposed high-speed link.