Stuart Andrew MP

The announcement of a new high-speed railway line linking the North with London has been welcomed by Horsforth’s MP Stuart Andrew.

Mr Andrew welcomed the fact that the HS2 line would include Leeds – cutting travel time to the capital down to under 90 minutes and encouraging businesses to consider moving north.

He said: “I have long championed the project here in Leeds and truly believe that HS2 will greatly benefit our local area.  Our railways are almost running at capacity as it is and it is clear common sense that a new line must be constructed and this should be built using the most modern technology available. HS2 will make it easier to travel to Yorkshire from London and will play an important role in increasing investment in Leeds.  Most importantly, it will improve links between Leeds, Sheffield, Birmingham and Manchester.” 

Greg Mulholland MP

A Wharfedale MP has hailed the news that Leeds is set to be included in the northern extension of the London to Birmingham HS2 high-speed rail link.

Greg Mulholland is confident the move, the second phase of the £32.7 billion project the Government claims will create at least 100,000 jobs, will give a major boost to the local economy.

But he is also calling for the Manchester and Leeds “legs” of the route to be created simultaneously.

The Otley-based MP said: “This is a significant step forward in the process of linking London and the North with high-speed rail.

“This has been a long and hard fought campaign and has brought together cross-party MPs and private businesses, all putting forward the extremely strong case for high speed rail, directly linking Leeds and London.”

Kris Hopkins MP

Ilkley and Keighley MP Kris Hopkins has welcomed this week’s announcement that phase two of the £32 billion HS2 high-speed rail link will go ahead.

He said the move would provide a massive boost to the economy in the North.

The preferred route of phase two goes from Birmingham northward along two branches, including via Toton near Nottingham, to Sheffield and Leeds.

Mr Hopkins said: “Last year in the House of Commons I sought and received an assurance from David Cameron that HS2 would proceed, and I am delighted he has kept his word.

“HS2 will reduce the journey time from Leeds to London by 50 minutes to one hour and 22 minutes, opening up all sorts of new business opportunities for firms in Yorkshire.”