Catherine McKinnell has used a debate in Westminster Hall on Levelling Up to press the Government to properly support rail infrastructure in the North. 

Speaking in the debate, Catherine highlighted that “committing to the eastern leg of HS2, alongside Northern Powerhouse Rail and East Coast Main Line upgrades, are all essential to make HS2 work for the North. It is not just about speed; it is about providing that connectivity and capacity that we so badly need”.

Catherine concluded by saying “If the Government are serious about HS2 being a project for the north, which is how it has been sold, it cannot be just for London and Birmingham. In the upcoming Integrated Rail Plan, they must commit to integrate and build all phases of HS2, along with Northern Powerhouse Rail and badly needed upgrades to the East Coast Main Line.

“Enough talk about levelling up—the Government need to walk the walk on this issue”.

Following the debate, Catherine commented:

“If levelling up is to mean anything, it must ensure that high speed rail works for the North, not just for London and Birmingham.”

“The Integrated Rail Plan has to back the North by committing to the Eastern Leg of HS2, Northern Powerhouse Rail and upgrades to the East Coast Main Line”