wit Westminster Hall Weadwsday 9 June 2010 [Mr Cunt Betis iv the Chait] High Speed Rail Motion mute, aed Question proposed, Tat the siting be now adjourned, » (Angela Watkinson, } 9.30 am Mark Lazarowies (Edinburgh North and Leith) (Lab Co-op|: May I welcome you to the Chain, Mr Betts, and express muy pleasure at having secured an Adjournment debate on such an important matter? Colleagues who vwere here before the election will Know that this is not the first time T have spoken about high speed rail in Westininster Hali—indeed, ic isnot the First time have secured a debate on the subject. High speed rail is a ‘matter of particular importance to my constituency and my eity. as it is to many other parts of the UK, ‘which is why am a long-standing campaigner for it ‘As the years have gone by. the ease for high speed rail in the UK has become stronger. Tn the past five years, the number of passengers travelling on the eail ines has risen by about 40% ad freight has risen by 60%, Give the urgent need to tackle climate change by encouragin Uuavellers to shift from air and road transport to rail, the case for investment in high speed rail becomes even stuonger; The case for high speed rail relates not only to the new lines that it would create, but to the capacity that ic would free up on existing lines, | was greatly encouraged by the previous Government’ ‘announcement in Mazch of a new fine from London to Birmingham as the fast phase of a network that would ead to Manchester and Leeds, anid thereafter to Glasgow sand Edinburgh. Members wil recal that that was based bina report by High Speed 2 Lid, which the Government sstapished a year earlier, [twas envisaged that construction ssould start ib 2017, following the completion of Crossrail and that the network would be operied in phases from 2026. The estimated cost of taking the line as Par as Manchester and Leeds was £30 billion, We seem 10 have reached a considerable degree of political consensus on the development of high speed rail in Great Britain, That will obviously be necessary because of the long time scale over which any such network will be developed. Iwill take many decades to build a complete network. waich will obviously involve many Governments and, no doubt, many politcal parties, [welcome the fact that. slong with the coraniitment from my party, there now appears to be a general political vonsensus on the need to develop a high speed rail network in the UK, Malculm Bruce (Goron) (LDy: 1 congratulate the don. Gentleman on securing the debate and commend hinn fr his support for high speed ral. Wille acknowledge that, even in the present circumstances, he and his constituents can travel from Edinburgh to London in about jour hours, wheyeas the shortest journey time from Aberdeen to London, only a further 110 miles, is seven and a half hours? Does he therefore agree that a 9 JUNE 2010 High Speed Raid 2WH high speed rail ink must also ensure that there are fast links to connect to any high speed network that is developed? ‘Mark Lazaromiez: The right hon, Gentleman makes ‘an impostant point. Ido not want 10 intrude on matters that ate the responsibility of the Sco:tish Pavfiament. but one of the important aspects of the debate on high speed rail is the need Tor discussions and co-operation Deter the UK Governmentand the Scottish Gosérmment, fo ensure that the network will benefit not only the cities that it serves ditectly, but places Further along the line, even if those places are not part of the network feom the start. Iwill return to that point later. In due course the network should extend to not only the URS lasgest cities, but most miyjor cities. [ant sure thal Aberdeen would qualily a3 such Dr Andrew Murrison (South West Wiltshire) (Con Edinburgh is terribly important, but so are the English regions. Does the hon, Gentleman agree that Uhere is & real risk, rumours of which the previous trains Minister did nothing to dispel, that money will be leached from regional and provincial sail networks to fund high speed ral? High speed rail should be weleomed, of course, but We must also remember the needs of many of out constituents who depend on lesser rail networks. Mark Lazarowier: I am interested inthe hon, Gentleman’ comments. certainly did no: heir those rumours, but his colleague the Minister will ne doubs reassure him that she will be able to combine her ‘commitment to high speed rail with the interests of his constituents 1 welcomed the faet that the Conservatives declared in their manifesto that ‘new yovernnient wil begin work iano to erate high speeail ne connecting Loni snl Henirow vith Binminghat, Manchester and Lecds. This isthe fins step toads ehicving ‘our vision of creating tonal hgh spe al nes to yt up major eis across England, Scoland and Naks Sage tw will deliver vo new lines bringing she Nerth st, Scouare and ‘Wales ino the high speed al nebo That was an angualified commitment to siayt work. immesdiately, not just as soon as possible, Lweleome the Minster t0 the debate and congratulate her on her appointment. I know of her commitment to high speed rail. Indeed, so unqualified was her manifesto's promise ‘hat Tam almost surprised 10 see her here tox, as she ‘might have been Out on the building sites with hurd hhatand a bulldozer, starting werk on the line mnmedialely. ‘The Liberal Democrats were, somewhat aut of chaacie uittle more cautious about their spending commnitments| fon this issue, Nevertheless, they vowed to set up ' UK Tnffasiruccure Bank to inves in public wanspr speed ra.” {n the coalition agreement, the 1wo parties stated: ‘We will esublish a high speed rail newark as pact of our programme of measures (9 fa) ou ont ambitions for eTeting 5 Tow carbon econamy. Out vision i af tculy mations] high spead rail etwork foe the whole of Btn However, the agreement then stated, “Given pases tania constraints, we Will have to achiews this insw High Speed Rait [Merk Lasarowiez} ‘The prospect of work beginaing on high speed rail is Aol So immediaie now. i would appeat: By the time of {ie Queens Speech, we were promised a hy Bil in “To be blunt. one of my purposes ia securing this dlebute was totest he stent of the coalition Government's commitment to high speed rail. Thave no doubts about the Ministers commitment, but we need to know whether the coalition agreement means what it says Did the ‘coalition parties mean whal they sai in their pre-cleetion mmamifestos. or was it just pre-election blustey? Will they Feally push it with the devermination and leadership needed. oF will they find excuses to delay it until some long-distant date? If the Minister gives the type oF comimitment that she gave belore the election, she will certainly have suppon across the House forthe development f proposals to introduce such a scheme. alshowgh the details may af course lead to debate. | therefore have several questions for the Minister, wshich T hope she will be able to answer today. There are quite a few, but there are none that she should be surprised to be asked, so [hope that she will have answers today ovat least some time soon. When do the new Government envisage bringing forward the necessary legislation for High Spec 2? T am not suggesting that the Minister should give an exact date, but a hybrid Bill could take years to go through Parliament so we need some idea of how it will fit into the Government's programme. Does she agree withthe previous Government's assessment a8 et out in their document on High Speed 2. produced earlier this year, that oral public corsultalion on the Gaverameat’s propos for highspeed ea inthe light of HS2 Lids ccemmended route for sushi shold begin uh the saute? Does the Minister agree that HS2 Lid should now begin similar detailed planning work on the routes from Birmingham to Manchester and Leeds, 6 be completed by summer 201] with « view to consulting the public extly in 2012? What steps do the Government intend to take wo establish a company or other mechanism to deliver the project? What is their target date, in broad Terms, for work to start on a new Lue? Are the Government still committed to 4 high speed nersork chat will serve the whole UK, including Edinburgh and Glasgow? I certainly hope thai they are, IT they are ‘commited to thal, do they have any views on the route that such a line should take, and when do they envisage shat the line will each Edinburgh and Glasgow? Ti will be unacceptable if there is nora eomnsitment from the start that the line will reach Scotland, because high speed rail will bring real economic beneiits to the cities and cegions along the route, and those cities that are either not directly lined or that have indirect tinks with he network would certainly lose out Mr John Leech (Manchester, Withington) (LD): 1 ‘congratulate the hon. Gentleman on securing the debate He suggested the need For a commitment that the high speed network would run te Edinburgh, but 1 do not recall ever hearing that commitment from the previous Labour Administration before the general election Mark Lazarowier: The previous Government madle it clear from the outset that high spoed rain services ‘would reach Fuinburgh and Glasgow in due course, AS Gentleman shoul knosi. 1 have been pushing 9JUNE 2010 High Speed Real WH for high speed rail for some time. I pushed the previous Government, and 1 intend to push this Government as hard as I pushed the previous one. IF he wants high speed rail 10 zo to places north of Manchester, | hope that he will pat the same kind of pressure oa his Government as I used to put on mine. I believe that we all want high speed rail to serve the nations and regions of the UK, 0 let us try 10 keep up the eonsensis and the pressure, As I said, there axe real economic benefits for all the ccomimunities and cities along the route of a high speed line Research shows that extiing the jouniey time between Birmingham and London from 84 (o 49 minutes would increase Birmingham's annual economic output by £144 billion, or about 6%, The economic benetits of high speed fail would be move than £10 billion a year for the north-west and about £19 billion for Scottand. In total, 64,000 additional jobs would be created as & consequence There is an overwhelming ease for extending the line (© Scotland, to increase the number of business and tourst passengers travelling not just to and from London. but from the north of England to Scotland, Prospetity would spread much more than if the line were yestricted to the south and south-east of England, and the UK as ‘a whole would benefit asa result. Mike Crockart (Edinburgh West) (LD: | thank the thon, Gentleman for raising this important subject. He will know thal my predecessor Jolin Barrett also worked tirelessly on thig matter. and I intend to continue his support for it inthis Parliament, Does the hon, Gentleman agree that the greatest argument for extending the ish speed rail line is an environmental one” For example, if we manage 10 drive London (0 Edinburgh journey times down to to hours 40 minutes, which is ebinently possible, there would be similar switeh from air to rail {as happened when the Madrid to Bareelona line opened. ‘That resulted in a 30% reduction ia the number oF flights between the two cities, IP the same happened with Edinourgh and London, there would be 700,000) fewer air journeys between them. Mark Lazarowier: The hon. Gentleman is cortect Indeed. there has been increased use of the Manchester to London service asa result of the uperade to the west coast main line, and we have seen the same with the London to Paris and Brussels services as well The point that the hon, Gentleman made about the benefits from reducing journey times particularly applies in respect of cities thst are frther away from London. The greatest journey time reductions will allow the zreatest benefits in environmental and economic terns and. indeed, in terms of convenience to passengers. ‘That is why | hope that the Gavernment will give a dslinite commitment to extend high speed rail to the north of England and to Scotland As the hon. Gentleman suid, environmental benelits willbe particularly important. Transport currently accounts for more than 20% of LIK carbon emissions, $0 1 speed rail has 4 role 10 play in that respect as Well Reducing journey times from London to Edinburgh to just over wo hours could result in 80% of the earrent ‘rave marke heiween Scotland and London being captured by high speed rail, Even at three hours, with 4 pact high speed rail network, 67% of the travel betweenSWwH High Speed Rail Scotland and London could be captured by bigh speed ail, so theve are certainly environmental and tgansport benefits as well as ecouomic ones, In that respect, I have wo other questions that I hope ‘the Minister wall address today or at another time. First, what is the Government's view on whether the Tine should ron to Heathrow or a connector station at Heatiiow, or simply offer a connecting service, as the previous Government advocated? Iam aware that there Were criticisms of that decision, und I believe thet she shared them. Certainly she made such criticisms before shie was « Minister, so T would be interested to heur her Current view on whether the line should serve Heathrow directly F would also like to hear the Ministers views on whether there should be a link from @ new high speed line north of London to the existing line from London, to the south-east. France, Belgium and beyond, If there were no Tink-—I hope there will be one— passengers From Scotland and the north would be less Hkely to use the high speed rail line for journeys to the continent, and trivellers from the comtinent would be les likely 10 tise it fo travel novth. Clearly, if there were no direct Tink, there would be less use of those services as well hope that today the Minister can give some indication of how the Government will take the plans forwaed tnd 10 answer the questions in thetr entirety, or atleast toa great extent. [would like to hear a reiteration of the ‘commitments that were given before the general election, ope that 1oday we will not hear from the Government any eveuses that, because of the financial situation they claim :o have inherited —we had all those excuses yesterday in the debate on the Queen’s Speech they cannot make any Further commitment to high speed rail at this stage, Thope that we sell net get that line later this mornin i would be unaeceptable for several reasons. First i should hardly surprise the Government parties that a high speed line would require majorexpense. If they did ‘ot realise that, they should not have made such sweeping, promises in their manifestos. Secondly, the spending on high speed! rail would, of course, be some time in the Future, There will he many years of preparation involving. planning, legal and parliamentary approval and so 0 We are talking about commitments that will last for 10, 20 or 30 years, and I do not believe that anyone—not even those in the Government parties awho make the lost pessimistic forecasts. would Suggest thatthe eurrent| ‘economic cieumstarices will fast for 10, 20 oF 30 years Thirdly, the commiments, although large in their totality, Ste not aetwally as substantial as many other Government commitments The cost of a line from London to Birminglnam, Manchester and Leedsisestimazed at €30 billion spread over 10 years, Compared with many other Government commitments. that is not as ‘expensive as might be thought at frst. And, of course, there are the wider economic benefits that Ihave aleeadly set out and the fact that the costs of high speed rail do not all have to come from public subsidy. Some of the public subsidy would be recouped from commercial Income Irom passenger and goods traffic if the trafic projections and estimates are reflected in reality On the extension to Scotland, there are issues around the role in inking upservices and the financial commitment From the Seoitish Government as past of the devolution ‘arrongements, | would be interested in hearing fromm the Minisier about what discussions the coalition and het 9 JUNE 2000 High Speed Rail WH Department are having with the Scottish Government hhow high speed rail could be funded in Seotland and on how it would link up with existing rail services in Scotland, Graham Stringer (Blackley and Broughton) (Laby My hon, Friend makes @ powerful case, and I look Forward to the Minister’ reply, The economic, transport and environmental benefits of a working high speed system are well known, but the gap between transport investinent in the souti-east and Loncon and that ia the rest of the country has been growing. [tis nol ust tat there is x gap but that it has been growing. Does he think that there is a case for starting to invest in the system not in London but mueh farther north, and then building south, rather than building north from the souk? Mark Lazarowies: My hon, Friend makes a good cease and raises valid points. He is right (o point out that there has been 3 concentration of transport investment in the south-east of England. The Scottish Government have a role to playin developing services beyond Edinburgh and Glasgow. but, blumily, it would be wrong for Scotland to pay for the bil from the border northward because afer all, itis part of the same UK-wide service. The same would apply to Manchester and the regions of England as wel In this debate, T have avoided getting to0 involned in the exaet details of routes, apart fiom the important exception of Heathrow, and exactly when and where they will start, because the case for high speed rail as a whole is in danger of being undermined by discussion cof some of the detail: However, T accep: my hoa Friend’s fundamental point: there is no reason why work should start from London and move northward, ‘or why it cannot start from some ater city at the same time. Clearly. phasing would allow benefits io be brought to other places en route, and T would be interested 10 Ihear the Minister's views on that in due course ‘The method of securing funding for a new line also thas a bearing on another important issue in this debate, which is the environmental case to which the hon, ‘Member for Edinburgh West (Mike Crockart) refered By itself, high speed rail does not guarantee substantial carbon reductions. Certain arguments and research make that clear. Carbon reductions depend partly on the energy source providing the electricity, how the route is to be constructed and, to a great extent, on the degree to which there is a modal shift from air and road to rail asa result of high spesd rail services being developed. A modal shift can be encouraged by shifting expenditure from new roads to high speed rail, which T support, avd by using transport taxation to encourage that shift and raise the fund for public jnvestment in high speed rail The Liberal Democrat wing of the coalition suggested im its election manifesto that it would raise an extra £9 billion a year from airline and passenger taxation, and if that Is taken forward in the agreement between the coalition parties it could provide substantial funds for high speed rail. T am interested in bearing the Minister, or any Liberal Democrat colleagues, respond to that point Tam sure that the Minister is not surprised that 1 have asked a lot of questions. I hope tbat she will respond as fat as she can, [ pay tribute to her commitment to highTWH High Speed Rail [Mark Lucarowiez} speed rail before the election, Like all Ministers she will no doubt have battfes to fight in ber Departinent and ‘ond to keep high speed ral firmly on the top of the Government's agenda, and T am sure that she expects me and other colleagues to pursue these matters vigorously Af she does not. Fhope that she gives as good news today reaffirms the Goverament’s commitment to high speed rail aod tells tight hon. and hon, Members how she will bring it about 9st am Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con): Ic is good to see ray right hon. Friend the Minister of State for Transport ‘sho will respond to the debate. T hope that she will forgive me, and that hon. and right hon, Members wil do so too, if Tam unable to stay for the winding-up speeches. 1 am standing for the chairmanship of an all-party group, the annual general meeting of which is being convened ths morning ata time to suit colleagues m another place The comments made by the hon, Member for Edinburgh North and Leith (Mark Lazarowice) and my hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh West (Mike Crackart) demousirate and reinforce « point about high speed rail vhat Lord Adonis made to me before the general election, ‘slticls was that everyone wants the stations but no one ‘wants the track. We will all have to manage that in bringing about a commitment mad by both Government pparlies in their manifestos at the general election and in the coalition agreement, which isin the Queen's Speech and is expected to be delivered. 1 shall not repeat any of the sensible questions asked by the hon. Member for Edinburgh North and Leith which Lam’sure my right how. Friend the Minister will be able co answer. {wish to ask three specie questions fon vations poms First, may [ suggest 10 my right hoa, Friend the Minisier that it would help if, at some poins in the near future, she wrole x “Deur colleague” lelter to every colleague in the House, setting out in stnaightforward levis the legislative process and the timetable that the Government intend to pursue, so that we ean share them wish our constituents? It isa pty that the previous Government brought the project forward just before the general election. We all understand whys the previous Prime Minister wanted to make what he thought was a decent press announcement he went to Birmingham to make it but that meant that the process got rather confused, It would help if hon, and right hon. Mensbers were able to share the relevant information with our constituents Secondly, on speed, Eurostar goesat 300 kph~-186mph and those of us who have been on it know that that is preny fast. High Speed 2 iselue to go at 400 kph. which is 250: mph and considerably Faster than Eurostar, More Sraight ack isneeded for avery fast in, which means less ¢ppartunity for mitigation or variation of the rou accommodate seulement toxsnscrimportant topographical Features, [ hope that, at some slage, there will be an ‘opportunity to have an informed debate about what are The eost-benefts of a very fast train as opposed toa Fast train, and whet is the real benefit of 250 mph aver 16 mph, so that we can consider the options between 9 JUNE 2010 High Speed Roit swWH ‘Thirdly, on community engagement, my tight hoa, Exiend the Minister will not be surprised that my ho. Friend the Member for South Northamptonshire (Ande Leadsom). Mr Speaker, whose constituency adjoins our constituencies, and Iwill be working together with our Jocal communities, which are concerned about the possible Jmpact of the route on them. The route runs clase 4a the Sizeable town of Brackley in the constituency of nay hon. Friend the Member for Soutl Northamptonshise Wil the Government consider complete alternatives 10 the routes in the consultation, to what extent ure they willing to consider mitigation or variation of the existing route, how will they engage with the communities and Fhow can that debate be informed? Itis important io put on the record what the Campaign to Protect Rural England has made clear ‘We welcome the vision of HS2 asa loweurbon backbone of sustainable wansport sytem By femoving Fas ins tron she ‘overeroneed lines orth of London, space wil bs evsited Tocal passenger and Feit services too" Even campaigning groups such as the CPRE recognise that there are considerable benefits to be hal Irom HS2. However, such organisations have long experience in engaging with Government on issues of this kind. It ‘would help if Ministers said how they intend to en: wilh our constituents and communities on the impact of the truck on individual communities amd constituencies, T understand that my right hon, Friend the Secretary of State for Transport proposes to walk the route later in the summer, which seems sensible, Will my right hon, Friend the Minister give an undertaking that, when chal happens, my right hon, Friend the Seorslary of Stave will engage with colleagues So That we can ensure that in respect of each constituency or groups of eonstituencies there van be positive, constructive engagement between him and local communities on comments peaple have to make about mitigation or variation of the Tone? T would like to emphasise a point macle forcefully by the CPRE. It is evident that people are keen on the stations, because those will make linkage between parts of the United Kingdom much quicker and obviate the need for a third runway al Heathrow. There are all sorts of seifvevident benelits. However, the benefits are not selfeevident lor those who have the tick going thru ‘heir parishes or back gardens, ‘The benefit to people of @ motorway going through their county or area is that it is part of the local infrastructure, and they can join and leave it, There will not be a station between London and Birmingham, so those living in that area will have limited diveet benefit from HS2. However, there may be other ways in which communities can be compenstied so that damage might bbe mitigated-—for cxample. undergrounding existing electricity transmission lines on the FIS2 route, creasing new Jocal ral serviees and reducing noise from existing roads The CPRE suggests ‘Some of the spare eapaciy Freel up on nil fines ould be sod to erent new crose-onumtry passenger serG8 such asst High Wycombe-Aylesbury-Northampton soure, It is important that when my right hon, Friends the Secretary of State and the Minisier of Stare engage with Tocal communities on the route of HS? across England they consider the benefits that the initiative and project may have For local communities so that we se2 not justown High Speed Roi clear mitigation, but a clear and immediate focal benefit, raher than just 2 contribution to an initiative for the betterment of the country asa whole If we engage constructively and sensibly in dialogue during the coming months sind if we all have a clear tnderstanding of what we are trying to achieve, that wall assis the Government and substantially reduce the risk of numerous judicial reviews. As my right hon, Friend knows, nothing is more frustrating when timing ‘Government projet than yasious partis eeing frustrated by the process and that they need to go 10 judicial | welcome my right hon. Friend 10 her post and hope ‘hat, following our questioning today, she will write to tusall in the not-ioo-distant futare with aclear explanation Chat we can share with our constituents, who ate understandably, worried about the process W.Lam Sir Peter Soulshy (Leicester South) (Lub): congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh North and Leith (Mark Lazarowiez) on obtaining this timely debate on an undoubledly important issue. Those of us who use the midland main line ~1 knew that you do, Mr Bets are well aware of the enormous success of High Speed 1. nat least because when we axrive at St Pancras we must fight our way through the crowds disgorged from ivains from Parisand Brussels, ‘The prospect of another high-speed line in the United Kingdom is exciting, and I join my hon. Friend ia welcoming that prospect and the fact that the new Government have picked up the previous Government's commitment to construct such a line. However, as Ue hon. Member For Banbury (Tony Baldry) said, it will ‘have an environmental price, and he was right to remind us that there will be a trade-off between speed and the environmental damage that thait might cause. 1 uzge the Government to examine that tade-all carefully, and (© consider whether thete are prospects for using existing iransport corridors to achieve the same results at a lower environmental cost My hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh Nort and Leith’ referred to the difference between this Sovernment’s proposals ancl those of the previous one for the service to Heathrow. There are serious doubts bout whether itis sensible to use Heathrow as a terminus for the high-speed line instead of somewhere that is well served with a link to the high-speed line, tis unlikely. that someone twavelling Iron’ London te Birmingham or Manchester would want cheie journey: to be diverted via Heathrow. That would nét- make much sense to them», The benefits of serving Heathrow may be achieved in another way by ensuring an adequate Tink t the airport instead diverting the line. T want to take this opportunity, when welcoming the Government's commiiment to high-speed rail, t0 press them for an assurance that construction of such a line in phases at some time in the future. who knows when, it will be constructed? should not be at the expense of ‘continuing investment in the existing classic or conventions network, Parts of thai network are undoubtedly under desperate strain and people who travel on it—often those who commute daily-—-must stand for much of their journey. Much vould be done (relieve thelr sulleving with contiaued investment in rolling stack, on 9 TUNE 2010 High Speed Rail 10WH whieh the previous Government had made a coramitinent, and in longer platforms and a generally better service, Graham Stringer: My hon. Friend is going 10 the nub of the debate on future investment in the tail service Given the time required for the development of high-speed rail, T do not betieve that it is a threat 10 segional services Does he agree that the real choice before the Government and the country is whether to continue with Crossrail or with regional services, and that we simply cannot afford Crossrail at the moment? Sir Peter Soukby: Having served for somne IS months ‘on the Select Committee thar considered the Crossrail Bill, I have a persoual commitment to its completion: My hon, Friend argued cauier that investment in rail has been slewed towards London and the south-2ast at the expense of other parts of the country, but that is nat an argument for ditehing what is an important part of the trausport infrastructure in our capital city ‘There is concern that high-speed rail may be scen asa ppanacea. It should not be built at the expense of the investment that the Association of ‘Train Operating Companies argued for to open lines that ae amused oF used for goods, and the opportunities that would be generated thereby for reeontecting 0 the rail network onumunities thai are currently unconnected. Above al itshould not be used asa pretext for no% continuing Ihe investment in eleetefiation ofthe main line network Like you, Mr- Betis, Lam keen that electsifieation of the midland main line should be completed es soon possible, Ibis already electrified as far as Bedford, asd completion of electrification through to my eily of Lejvester and to Derby, Nottingham an your city of Sheffield, Mr. Beis, wil provide considerable postive cost benefits to ral users and to the economies of the ‘ast midlands and your area af south Yorkshite, with boost to the economy and general environment of those areas, | am worted that even if the second high-speed Tink is ultimately achieved andl goes to somewhere i the east midlands, it wil be of litte benefit (0 those who are curcenty served by the mad main ine if electsifiction fof that lin hus not raken place and there is no link ta St Paneras International and High Speed | T doubt whether anyone would oppose investment ia further high-speed rail in the UK. These are doubls about whether its faces will be alfordble and atieact Significant proportion of air passengers sho wosld otherwise pass through Heathross. My real concein is that it should not draw funding that would otherwise go to the conventional network. Tt must not lead to postponement of elocuification of theexisting muinline network, it must not leave rail commuters standing in ungecepiable conditions on their daily commute. to ‘work, iE must not leave unconnected Communic ¢hat could be connected 10 the network, and it Fst not lewe passengers and the environment with the prospect of ole and sinelly diesel traction for many years to come ‘when relatively envizonmentalyfviendly elecification ‘sa real possibility In brief, users of the existing network are unlikely 10 be impressed by half-promises of high-speed rail in phases, perhaps a decade and a half away. while they Continue to situggle 10 use an existing network that overstretched, overuse andin desperate need of continued investment.LW High Speed Bait Lorely Burt (Solibull) (LD): Ladd my congratulations to the hon. Member lor Edinburgh North and Leith (Mark Lazarowie?) op an informative speech, particularly about the benefits of high-speed rail. 1 shall look wy Some of his statistics in Hinnvard for my own use. My constituency is in the west midjands and includes Birmingham International airport and the national exhibition centre. [shall take account of the comments made this morning. but [shall confine my remarks 10 the frst phase of High Spsed 2, for waich {am a strong advocate, Passenger numbers have risen by 40%, and freight has inereased by 60'% over the last ive years, Clearly, ‘here is 1 big appetite in this country for high-speed rail und the benefits vhat it can bring, which were so ably tuutlined by the hon. Gentleman, We need 2 dedicated high-speed rail line that is independent of she creaking Victorian network, although that network bas served us well in the past and continues to do so. [ake on board Ube point mace by the hon, Member for Banbury (Tony Baldry) that any improvements er new rail services ‘must not be made atthe expense of the existing network ‘We must ensure that the serviee improves far those who currently use our creaking commuter network, which should not be neglected in favour of high-speed til We have the prospect of being able to travel from Euston to Curzon Street in Birmingham in 49 minutes, According (o my Figures, the rain speed is 225 mph, although the hon. Member for Banbury mentioned 250 mph: either way, i is fast, We hope there will be a Crossrail interchange at Old Oak Common and we Support ihe idea that Crossrail must go ahead it is hugely important. Funding for Crossrail and High Speed 2 can be imaginatively secured, with a large proportion of lnvestment coming Irom private industry or from some form of ational infrastructure bank. as recommended, by the Libera) Democrats before the general election. 1 am sue thar it ean be done and that the benefits can be proved ‘We expect this phase af HS2 to start in 2017, and to have passenyers on the trains in 2076. That is a long. lime, and T have a lot of synipathy with the hon, Member for Black ey and Broughton (Gralzamn Stringer), who intervened earlier to ask whese we should start, IP ‘ve can get the funding, perhaps we should start at both, tends of the line so laut i does not take such & Tong time roccomplete the network. [am sure the Government will look at tha. Tr is nox all good news, There are many planning. considerations and much of the investment in the fir phase af HS2 will go on existing railway’ lines such as the Chiltern line, which will track the A4L3, Thave a panteular concern for partsof the Warickshire countryside in the west midiands. People must be consulted propery, whieh, for me, means that there is no foregone conclusion. otherwise, it is nol a consultation, There niust be proper compensstion for anyone who suffers as ‘4 result of these plans, When & second runway at Birmingham International airport was proposed, «terible Ha wats ereaved which in Some cases still hangs over residents in the loca] area, 11s smportant to avoid that blight. as it puts people's lives on hold and creates more nisery than is necessary. On the bright side, according to researeb by the Department for Transport, which 1 read this moming, every reduction of {minute to a 9 JUNE 2010, High Speed Ret 12WH commuter journey adds £1,000 to the value of & house in the relevant area. Somebody will benefit, although am not sure who that will bein the west midlands, ‘The justification for HS? must be that itis part of a wider strateey: Like the previous Government, this Government 21e committed 108 sirong carbon reduction programme. We must show that we will shift people ‘away from the roads and the air and oa (0 rail, The hoo Member for Edinburgh North and Leith mentioned the Liberal Democrat plas, and part of thecoatition agreement \was that we will move from passenger charges on pues toa charge per plane. That Will help in the reduction oF carbon, Mark Lazarowicr: [ am grateful for the hon. Lady's kind comments about my opening speech, J am aware of the Liberal Democrat and Conservative policy of moving away fiom individual taxation. However. Think that the Liberal Democrat manifesto also suggested 2 potential increase in duty, which I welcome. fs that pari ‘oF the coalition policy? Lorely Burt: {2m afraid that itis above my pay grade to comment further on that. The coalition Goversmen) will be working on this issue, and the Minister may wish tw refer to it inher remarks, Increasing people's ability to travel isa bit like Boyle's lay demand expands in relation to the existing capaci. We have seen that with the motorway network, Every time new roads are built or motorway is enlurged, traffic increases more than would be expected under normal predictions, We must be careful about tht During the three weeks che Minister has spent in her job, Eco not know whether she has given any thought as to how we can make it easiet for people 10 sravel less That must obviously be an aspiration, 1 will conclude by considering some of the ezonomic Ubenefits that HS2 would bring to the west midlands. In terms of employment, we have probably been the hardest hit of any region. We have a strong manufacturing base, Dut that bas also been hit hard by the recession, On bbehal? of people in the west midlands, Tam looking forward hugely to the airport link. The extension of the single runway at Birmingham International airport will ‘mean buge inward investment, and along with the high- speed rail link to London and the norch, chat will make the west midlands a central economic bub, whieh | wweleome, ‘The national exhibition centre will benefiy hoxely from the fact that High Speed 2 wil stop there betore ‘moving.on to Curzon Stet in Birmingham. Is unpextant fo get on with this scheme. Iam sure that we ea use oUF imagination and ability so as not to damage the existing rail network, which we must work on and improve High Speed 2a wonderful thing, but it is nol everything ‘We must look st the whole pictire and ensue that she experience of the rail trwveller- whether on High Speed 2 or on local railways--is a good one, Mr Clive Betts (in the Chair): The hon, Member for Carmarthen East and Dinefws (lonathan Edwards) is the last speaker who wishes to be called in the debate Let me advise him that 1 intend to start with the contributions of the Front-Beneh speakers at 10.30 aim.WH High Speed Rail W.18am, Jonathan Fawards (Carmarthen East and Dinetwr) {PC}: T congratulate the hon. Member for Edinburgh North and Leith (Mark Lazarowiez) on securing this bate on the imporiant sibjeet of high speed ral. Lis an issue that afaets both his constituents ad nine de to likelihood that under the eurrent proposal, it will have no impact on them whaiever. Historically, UK Governments have failed Wales on sal, and the refs to provide a timetable for the development of high speed rail fink has pot as on the buck burner once aguin The lust UK Government agreed) 10 electrify the Great Western line to Swansea Deeause of the bard \work ofthe Transport Minister ia the Welsh Goverment. When the previous UK Government announced the scheme it 93s supposed to go only as fat as Bristol, and only afier the intervention of the Welsh Government did they ngree to electrify the line as far as Swansea, 1 tndersiand that the Conservarives have always been coy about sticking to that agreement, Will the new UK Government confiem that that elecuification wil take place? Will the Government ago confirm thatthe electifcation sill uo farther ia Wales. as part of Die commitment to support further electifiation of the rail network? That sould include, for example. che north Wales coast line. ie valleys ines andl the Severn tunnel diversion nended by Railfuture Wales. In Europe side Albania and Moldova in not having more than mile of elecrifed rail usck, What more proof dio we need that the IK Govecnment are leaviig us being? More than jus elevfiction of she railway’ Fines, we need a coneréte timetable for high speed rai in Wales The proposal for Wales high speed rail connection vas frst put Forward by First Great Western in 2008, a, part of the package of suggestions that it was making for improved rail services, inked to its bid for the new Great Western franchise. However, we are no close t0 having such 4 connection now than we were then The former shadow Secretary of State for Transport, who is na the Minister of Stave, sad nly in March ‘arp ota high pod ral othe North wl boos jobs sad inentment righ aceon the country and Brig pater Strong Bones tothe tepons We elves esc that the NNorh notshore changed nd et ote high sped andthe sj egenention pean el genet Naturally, H agvee With every word about the benefits that high’speed vail will bring co those fegions, but it cannot be nght that Wales does not share in those benefits A1 the moment. high speed rl isan Englandonly project that will be funded: from UK money. That Cannot be sight A genuine High Speed 2 network needs to include Seotlind and Wales and connect with the south-east of England and the continent, bringing ws closer 10 major international mazhets and them closer to ws. giving ts major business opportunities and helping 10 tackle climatechangeby reducingshor-haul ar txel_ Otherwise, the UK Government should just admit that high speed ral is really for England only and give us a Barnett conseqilenial, so thal we ean get on with the job of dleveloping our own nerwork in Wales Greg Mulholland (Leeds North West (LD): The bon Gentleman is painting & stcong pieture of how we need a countrywide network, including Wales and Scotland. 9 TUNE 2010, High Speed Rast MaWH. 1s he aware of the High Speed North proposa) by’ the Hastogate-based engineer, Colin EI? Thar is a real vision for a nationwide network-~ something that the previous Government did not properly consider. Thope thatthe new Government will properly consider it Jonathan Edwards: | was not aya of tose proposals, bbut 1 imagine thar the UK Government shoul be ‘extmining them closely, because the key point is that i Wwe are to go for a high speed rail network based on a UK Treasury spend, the benefits should apply to all the nations and regions of the state ‘We would like« timetable anc! costings 1 be developed for a high speed rail link bexween south Wales and London, preferably as part of the current scheme bu even! as part of High Speed 3, Perhaps as a matter of good faith, the work on that could begin at the south fales end. That would certainly be the far cheaper par of the development, Dioleh yn fawr iawn, ssgow North East) (Laby 1 congratulate my hon. Friend the Menaber for Edinburgh North and Leith (Mark Lazarowies) on securing this erucial debate on high speed rail. He spoke with real ‘authority on bebalf of many businesses and val passengers ‘mis constituency. and throughout the UK, who recognise the transformative effects that investment in high speed rail will bring: a stronger economy with the creation of rnew jobs in the construction and maimenance oF the new high speed lines; a modern transport infrastructure to march those in the rest of Europe; improved business Finks between London and the other major cities in the UK; and inereased tourism and environmental berelis, \with many more journeys being rade by rail than by short-haul aviation, Let me also praise the contributions of the other hen, Members who participated in the debate, iveluding my hhon. Friend che Member far Leicester South (Sit Pacer Soulsby) and the hoa, Members for Banbury (Tony Baldry)and for Solihull (Lotely Busi. who spoke eloquent about the need for consultation, There was a passione contribution from the hoa, Member for Carmarthen stand Dinefwy (Jonathan Edwards) on the need for a UK perspective on high speed rail and its extension to Wales ‘This is project of genuine national importance, and ur task in the coming vears will be to work across this ‘Chamber to ensure that High Speed 2 is completed on schedule, The aim of Opposition Members is 10 ful the vision n the Command Paper published thisspeing 10 siart with construction of the high speed line between Euston and Birmingham and then to extend ito Sheileld, Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds As my hon. Friend! the Member for Edinburgh North and Leith said, we see great advantages in expanding the high speed rail network to Edinburgh and Glasgow in’ due couse, subject te consultations with the Scottish Government. as it would involve significant eapical expenditure from that source In my first appearance zs Opposition transport spokesman. I welcome the Minister of Stale 10 her position in the Departnent for Transport. [00k forward 4o our discussions here and in the main Chamber over the coming months. They may be robust at mes, but[sWHt High Speed Roit {Me Willian Bain} hey will never be intemperate. In opposition, she demonstrated keen commitment to the principle of hhh speed sail and if that continues in government, she will ine our support i the negotiations that she undertakes with the Treasury to secure the financing to make High Speed 2a really. on me and on target, {have had an opportunity to consider “The Spending. Review framework” published yesterday by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, sind {note that all Depactments will bbe asked to assess and justily thelr spending priorities inst pine eriteria, whieh include the promotion of economic value. In the Opposition’ view. even when those criteria are applied. HS? is a project of national conomic necessity, which must escape the Chanel for's programme lar fiscal eonsolidation, [place on the record our appreciation for the work done by former Ministers Paul Clark and Chris Mole, Who, sadly from our perspective, Were not returned 10 the House to represent the constituencies of Gillingham sand Rainhans and of Ipswich respectively. We wish them wel for the fuiure. The shadow Secretary of iy right hon, Friend the Member for Tooting ‘Sadiq Khan), will hold the Gavernmient to account on their transport pledges in the coalition agreement and continue to advocate the causes that he advanced while in government. also pay tribute to my noble Friend Lord Adonis, who was one of the most visionary Secretaries of Stale for Transport chat Britain has had in the past 6D years, with # powerful commitment to the role of a revived "allay network in boosting economic geawth, reducing gteeuouse gus emissions and, through his strategic support for HS2. building the modern transport infrastructure that « decent, just society requires, In the Command Paper published in March by the previous Government. we sought ta avoid some of the problems in the consultation process for the frst domestic high speed liok, fom central London to Ashlord, by consulting on a single preferred route between Euston and Birmingham, rather than the choice of Five routes in the first high speed rail consultation process. No route in a project oF this significance will be without ontroversy, whieh is why there must be adequate consultation of the affected communities, together with consultation on the exceptional hardship scheme for those whose properties may be affected by proximity to the preferred route. We noie that the Government hive shghdly extended the period for consultation on the hardship scheme until 17 June and have introduced a shadow scheme for immediate invroduetion, We would support hoth those measures, ‘There has been strong support from rail passenwers, business nd Iocal government in the cities cavered by the proposed new high speed rail networ's, because they revognise the real benefits that high speed rail will bring tw their cites, For example, journey times from London to Birmingham will come down to 49 minutes. and those from Leeds to Canary Wharf will come dawa to 9 minutes, Even with regard (© the first part of the rneiwork, my constituents in Glasyow would immiediauely benefit, with a zeduction inthe journey time from Glasgow to Euston to about 3 hours 30 minutes. That 9 JUNE 2010) High Speed Raid 16WH ‘makes high speed rail genuinely competitive for business, ‘passengers and tourists compared with shori-hul lights from Scotland to London airports, Some 10,000 jobs will be created in the construction of the high speed tine, with « further 2,000 permanent jobs created in line maintenance and operation. There are great environmental benefits, given that high speed rail emits between eight and 11 times less carbon dioxide than air travel. There will be an. increase in the [ieight capacity available by rail. There will be a Boost to The west midlands economy to the tune of £5.3 billion @ year, and to the north-west economy of £10.6 billion @ yea. If extension of the network to Scotland proceecl, there will be a benefit of neatly £20 billion co the economy there. As the work of HS? Lid! made cleat every £1 spent on high speed rail yields £2 in economic benefit to the nation 1 would appreciate it if the Minister of State clarified several points Will she confirm the Governments priorities and intentions on the route sei oui in the previous ‘Government's Command Paper? Wil Ministerscommence the consultation on that route, which the previous Government planned to start in October? Are the Government committed to the Y-shaped network tha HS2 Ltd proposed in the Command Paper or is chat being abandoned for an alternative sirueture? Will the Minister outline the time seale that the Government envisage for the commencement of the construction of the first part of the newwork? My party’ plans were predicated on comnectivity with Cwssr and Heathrow Express, with sn interchange station 3 (Old Oak Coommon and Fast links to Heathrow airport, Canary Wharf and beyond. The proposed connectivity berwesn Crossrail and FIS3 meant that we wanted to complete the construction of Crossrail by 2015 and 10 commenter the construction ofthe London to Birmingham high speed line in 2017. Do the Government agree about the need to ink Crossrail with High Speed 2? Ae their plans based on the completion of Crasseail in 20157 In opposition, the Minister was conimitied to plans for a high speed rail hub ai Heathrow airport, Are those the Government's plans now? Does the Minister propose tw alter the terms of reference or the time scale of Lord Mawhinney’s review into the practicality of a high speed rail station at Heathvow airport? Can the Minister give a pledge that none of the cities that the previous Government proposed to link through the new high speed network will be left beliind oF leit ‘out? Specifically, does she agree in principle that we need a network that serves the major nottheza English cities? Does she plan to begin talks with the Seottsh Government over possible network extension to Seatland in due course? Has the Minister's Department begun work on preparing the hybrid Bill that would need 10 be presented to Parliament to make the new network a zeality in this Parliament? Will she give a pledge today that the Government will commit to the fongeterm investment requited to make the project a suecess? The high speed rail project is of genuine national significance, and the Opposition will not play petty oF partisan poiitics with it, Thope that we will he able to ‘work across the House to secure a rail link worthy of great country entering the 21st centurywi High Speed Rai ‘The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Mes Theresa Villiers) It is & pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mz, Betts join others in congratulating the hon. Member for Edinburgh North and Leith (Mark Lizarowiez) on securing a debate on this important topic. For many of the reasons that he so arsiculately st ‘out in opening the debate, the issue is significant for the Faure off our transport system, our econamy and our Jean ussure hon, Members that high-speed rail plays 2 core role in the new Government's vision for the fauze of travel in the United Kingdom. I am therefore irateful for the sirong support that has been displayed across the parties in the debate, and particulatly by the new shadow Minister, the hon. Member for Glasgow Nozth East (My Bain). That suppoct has been reflected In many speeches this morning, and I welcome the contributions from not only the hon, Member for Edinburgh North and Leith, but from the hon, Member For Leicester South (Sir Peter Soulsby), my hon. Friend the Member for Banbury (Tony Baldry) and the koa, Members for Solihull (Lorely But) and for Carmarthen East and Dinelwr Jonathan Edwards). [shall address 8 number of the issues rat they rased. AS wells supporting. high-speed rail, my hon. Friend the Member for Banbury refleeted on some of the issues for focal communities hat might be affected once a route is chosen, T will come 19 that later ‘The Conservatives championed high-speed tail in ‘opposition. We transformed debate on the issue i October 2008, when we pledged to start the lang process of building ¢ national network, At the time, the Labour Government had dismissed high-speed rail as an option, and their 30-year strategy for the railways contained no plsee for it, Nevertheless, J very much welcome the change of heart that oecurred after our announcement and with the appointment of Lord Adonis. T echo the comments of the hon. Member for Glasgow North East in welcoming and paying tsibute to the work that Lord Adonis did on the issue, The change of heat from the previous Government signalled theemergence of a bicader cross-party consensus fon the principte thet high-speed rail 's essential for Briain’ transportsysiem, The new Gosernment’s support -speed rail was clearly and explicitly included in reement, Our programme for government includes the creation of a high-speed rail network. Our ambition isthe creation of a genuinely national igh-speed network, althongh we recognise that :hat will have to be achieved in phases over a number of years However, in answer 10 the questions about that national network, le me say that a genuinely national network of course embraces destinations in the east midlands, Scotland and Wales.-theareas that have been specifically highlighted this morning, Let me take this opportunity to emphasise that the Government's ambitions for high-speed vail do not stop a Birmingham. Although the previous Administration had a change of heart on high-speed ral, their focus \was still ust on detailed plans for a zoute to Birminghaun It is manifestly clear that we will nat reap the full benetits of high-speed rail unless we go much further than the west midlands, important though a link (0 the west midlands obviously is We want co make progress fe Salt Meribel Cox Son Dot Ch 9 JUNE 2018 sted ates: 1 The Oud, County CU 2. Regier in reat od aes abe CES ley Ron Sala Neer Lyne Roonaan Manage egies ne Satis Raut aha ered nates S997 Sarginsons ‘neh set teil“ as rapidly us possible towards the creation oSarginsommLave LP network that connects to the rest of Europe vie thoi channel tunnel 10 The Quacant In opposition, beth coalition partners empKesey Ot ZE. the importance of taking high-speed ral faStotln aa 3151 is clear in the devolution settlement thot the*eORNTE2> 573 Government are responsible for rail infrastractere noWX 11200 of the border, Delivering cross-border high-spoed raifO¥ENTRY services and a cross-border high-speed raikiiaiy papabdiawcco uk therefore abviouslsrequirecloseeo-operatimstialgnseLa 0 uk Joint working between Holyrood and Westminsiet on a Tange of issues, including, of course, Funding. That is ‘why, in my role in opposition. I viited Scotland for constructive talks’ with John Swinney on how thet o-operalion night go forward. Thete are eiensive and lose contacts between the Department for Transport ‘and its counterparts in Scotland. The Secretary of State also looks forward to working with his Seottsh counterpart in developinga high-speed ral seategy that ineomporates Scotland Issues selating co the timetable were atthe heutt of the questions fyom the hon. Menrber for Edinburgh North and Leith. The Secretary of State is considering the timetable et out by HS2 Ltd. He is aso considering questions relating to the integration of Heathrow inte the high-speed rail network which T wil come to in due course. He will report to Parliament in due course ot the tnietable ant on how things will be taken Forte never. the intention sto go forse wth the consultation asprompllyas possible aftr tht statement to Paiament The Government intend 0 present a hybrid Bill during this Pasliamnent, We also inlend to star enabling work by 2015, Thar is a somewhat more aggressive timetable than tha sex by the previous Goverment, but wwe are delermined--the hon. Member for Edinburgh North and Leith questioned me on this to take the process forward promptly. Further work isulteady der ‘say on lines beyond Birmingham, We will alse eontinas {o assess the appropriate delivery vehictes ‘Mark Lazarowies: [thank the Minister for her answers so far, but may T be clear about one point? She sad that she envisaged work siarting in 2013, but what kind of work does she mean? Suci work would be weloome, but 21S is quite soon, so perhaps she will elucidate, Ms Villiers: AS 1 said, the intention is for enabling work to startin 2015, Given that there will bea detailed and expansive consultation process before decisions ae made on a route, it would not be appropriate or realistic fr me to say exactly what type of work we would intend 10 start by 2015 and in what locations Sir Peter Soulsby: The Minister has talked about a route going beyond Birmingham, and abou: Scotland. Do the Government remain committed to the Y-shaped Tink that was part of the previous Goveranient’ proposals? Mrs Villers: The previous Government talked sbout ‘line north of Birmingham, but had no clear commitment It was the Conservatives who championed a national network that would bring the benefits of high-speed rail toa wider range of areas than was envisaged in the eore part of the previous Government’ proposals ‘The hon. Gentleman also mentioned fares, and itis Jmportunt that the high-speed rai line should bentTordable for ordinary families The analysis done by he Conservative party in opposition and by HS? Lid under the previous, ‘Sujnsors Lan LP is 2 esi Pat ors Slay DaweSagusan Seeing te acl amount sce 187%(own High Speed Rail Mes Viti Government makes it clear that the line will be affordable ‘and deliverable with a contribution from future fares revenue, even with fares that are reasonable and broadly ‘mn Tine with existing levels om existing services, We ean deliver the fine without necessarily assuming that the fares will be unreasonable und out of the reach of ordinary families, Sir Peter Soulsby: I hank the Miaister for her response on fares, but she did not respond to my question aout Ure Y-shaped link, Tam interested in the link not north but east of Birmingham, seeving the east midlands, south Yorkshire and, of couse, the north-east Mrs Villirs: As I have made oles, our ambition is a national network. and we believe that it is vital to make prowess promptly and 10 ensure that we achieve the benefits of high-speed rail as widely as possible We have also made tt clear that merely going to Birmingham 's nor enough. We need to ensure that other parts of the country share in the benefits of high-speed rail, We shall publish details oF the timetable in due course Greg Mulholland: 1 weleoms the Minister to her new job, She is awate that [ave been heavily invelved in the Jobbying campaign for a ditect high-speed link to Yoreshire, vwerkina with you, My Betts, and with the hon. Member for Shipley (Philip Davies), in a cross-party campaign with the Forkshire Post its “Fast Track to Yorkshire" campaign, The Y shape is not the only way to create a Giect link ie Yorkshire and the important eties of Shefftekt and Leeds. winich are the economic habs of their areas. The High Speed Noxth proposal merits Further consideration. May we be clear. and have a ceomumisment that the Government will, when the relevant phase happens, ereate a direct link to Yorkshire-not link via Manchester, which does not make sense? Mrs Villiers: {have made it clear that the ambition is to create a national network, and it is of course vital that the north of England, Manchester and Yorkshire should be ineluced in chat network. ta due course, decisions will be taken about the exact route to be sclested, However, 88 | have emphasised, there isa long process to be undertaken before final decisions are ade on the route for new high-speed rail lines. The case for high-speed rail is undeniable. Tt has the potential to make a huge conteibution to the long-term prosperity of the country and the elfciency of its ransport system. and it can play a crucial role in achieving the goal of a lower-cavbon economy. In the neti 20 t0 30 years. key imtet-urban routes ace Tikely 10 come creasingly eoigested, with negative consequences for our economy and quality of Tile. High-speed rail could provide 4 massive uplift in capacity, a§ well as leamatically reduced journey times, We have been discussing the areas to be served directly by high-speed ral, but we must not lose sight af the Fact That it high-speed network also relieves pressure and overcrowding on existing railways, I allows more space forcommutingand freight services, soit proces significant ‘benefits for passengers and the economy even in areas that are not directly served by a line or station, It will caiwate huge benelits in gromth, regeneration and jobs, eget aces 10 The uo, Coven (V1 JEL Rapes gland nd Wels naber CCDS Sarginsons ih Spe ta BW \which will be felt far more widely than in the Sesginstinn Law LLP directly served by new lines and services. I believe that iBolctors will provide valuable help in addressing long-stamdtingdceiant prosperity differences between the south-east ataketeg OF 2EL Test of the country, and thus create a mtephéableandess 3181 balanced economy. Fax, 024 7625 8573 To return to some of the issues raised! by the hadox: 1200 Member for Leicester South, of course itis vital, iO¥ENTRY parallel with taking high-speed ral forward emdnintatel7 co uk a programme of work on upgrading andsimypseangciaw co uk existing rail network, Sir Peter Soulsby: On that point, 1 would be very aarateful if the Minister gave way again Mrs Villiers: T would rather make a Kile progress. 7 hhave been very generous in giving way, so I wil] proceed with my remarks for a moment, We all acknowledge that there is a downside 10 the proposals the impact on the environment of the localities through which new lines could so. As my hon, Friend the Member for Banbury explained, hon. Members nave understandable concerns about the potential impact of high-speed rail on their constituents, The Government of course recognise the gravity of those concerns, There will be @ detailed and inclusive process befare final Uevisions are made about our approach to high-speed rail overall, and the route it should follow: I am hippy Co engage with colleagues and hon. Members during the process. It goes without saying that reducingand mitigating the local environmental impact of high-speed it will always be a high priority for the Government in advancing the project. twill inform our decisions on the selection of the route Tam happy 10 take on board my bon. Friends ideas on benefiting the communities that may be subject to the environmental impact of high-speed rail lines, Meas are already under discussion about the possibility of burying power lines, and the new Government’ commitment 10 high-speed rail has already brought about a benefil, Because it has enabled us to say with confidence that’ we strongly oppose x third runway’ at Heathrow. The fact that it will not go ahead provides significant benefits for some communities that may be affected by high-spoed rail, because there will not be the ‘massive uplift in aircraft noise to whieh many of then ‘might have been subjected had the election gone a different way and if & Labour Government had heen elected and proceeded with their plans. AS to existing transport corridors, in assessing the route, the potentia! benefits of their use will be fully considered. However that approach is not a panacea. It cannot provide the ansner in all cases, but itis worth considering, ‘We made it plain before the election that we reserved ur position on the route that HS2 has recommended ‘The process of formal consultation on the hybrid Bill will provide extensive opportunities for people to make their voice heard and have their point of view properly sand fairly considered before a route is finalised. We also recognise that concems in that respect wre not confined to fears about the future. In some places, the impact is being felt today in the instability of focal property markets, A key goal for the new Government is to press ahead expeditiously taking on board the continuing consultation, with the finalising of arrangements for an exceptional Sansone Law LP 2 toga Dsptnay Pocice ree. ome ot Wee fn ne Sinan Bact Ch Bay NanSlee Wenbe ene ton Parson Mage Crs Sea Dave Sion te Slee Reston hy eters ruber #9737 ‘Sting th cal eames 1876 b g21WH High Speed Rail hardship scheme, so that we can swiftly and equitably iveassistance 10 those who most need it. The consultation Bs dute to end in a week, and we stall look with great cate al the respondents suggestions in deciding how to proceed As part of the work that we are doing to reconsider and review the HS2 proposals on the route, we need to Find the right option for connecting Heathrow to the ew network. As we made clear in opposition, we bolieve that it is vital to integrate che country’s only major long-haul bub airport co the high-speed rail network that we propose (o build. Lord Mawhinney twas asked by the previous Government to assess the alternatives. His review was established against the background of Labour's poliey of supporting a third runway at Heathrow: In answer to the question asked by the hon, Member for Glasgow North East, one of the first acts of the new Sceretary of Stare was (o agree with Lora! Mawhinney linvamenclment £0 his remit, to refleet the approach of the coalition. The new Government strongly oppose a neve runway at Fleathrowy, as the Prime Minister confirmed ‘5nd reiterated in one of his Firs actions on taking office Heathrow needs to be better, not bigger, A key part of our programme for improving it is to integrate the tirport into the proposed new high-speed rail network. “That would improve public transport links to the airport, and help 10 relieve the problems with air quality and congestion in the area by encouraging people to switch from roud to rail when {ravelling to Heathrow Inresponse o questions on the subject, we are obviously carefully considering whether high-speed rail could be ‘tegrated with Crossrail, As a number of colleagues sid integrating Heathrow shoutd also Facilitate a major {hilt from air to cail. Experience in Europe shows that highspeed rail provides un attractive alternative to short-haul fights. For example. Air France has completely Nopped flights between Paris and Brussels choosing Instead to chatter earrigges on the TGV eal link Maximising the scope for switehing from air to rails an important gos! in ervironmental terms, as high-speed trains emit significantly ess carbon than aviation. Indeed, the gap between the (rain and the plane is likely 10 ‘widen as we proceed with the vital task of cleaning up ur elecitieity generation sources A further benefit of the ai-to-rait sich would be to free up space at Heathrow by providing an slternative to the thousands fof short-haul flights going in and out of the airport That is how we plan to relieve capseity pressure 9 TUNE 2010 High Speed Ratt 22WH We believe also that itis essential to have a direct link between the new domestic line and existing internation services on HSI. and we have asked HS2 Lid urgently to assess the best way to deliver that, Tt would be @ mistake to consider rail omly in relation 10 domestic fviation when iis cleatly « viable alternative for tvelling {oa bumber of important neas-European destinations Such as Brussels, Paris, Amsterdam und Rotterdam, In conclusion Sit Peter Soulsby: Will the Minister give way? ‘Mes Villiers: Iam sorry, but 1 am going to conchide. ‘Thete is a huge task ahead of us as we contemplate delivering an infrastructure project as big as way since the 19th century, when the Vietorians revolutionised four economy and our society with the nation’s fist rallyay network. Its worth remembering that Britain’ first, and so far only, 68 miles of high-speed track owed much 16 the unlikely combination of John Prescott and Michael Heselline. As we press forward with realising, this great ambition, | hope that we ean continue to, count on cross-party suppor. Sir Peter Soulsby: Will the Minister give way’? Mrs Villiers: Ihave given way ont a numberof oceastons [am now going to conchude. Sir Peter Soulsby rose [Mr Clive Betts (in the Chae}: Order. The Minister is indicating that she will not give way, Mrs Villers: {have no doubt that there, will be difficult times ahead, not least in relation to decisions bout the route and how we mitigate and reduce its impact on surrounding communities and the landscape However, I firmly believe that future generations will thank us (or displaying determination and persistence in delivering this rucial upgrade to our transport system. We need to inject some of the long-term thinking that transport policy has so often lacked in the past, The new Government re determined to rise to that challenge fand delver the highspeed vision lor Britain's rail network_one that could have a transformative impact fn our transport system, our economy and our quality of ble Wos3.am Siiting suspended.