North-South high-speed rail link draws closer

A HIGH-speed rail line from London to the North could go as far as Scotland, the Government said for the first time yesterday.

Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon told the Commons the line would go from London to Birmingham but added that it could later be extended to go as far as Scotland.

He confirmed that a company would be set up to look at the possibility to ease pressure on already stretched West Coast Mainline.

He made the announcement after confirming there will be a third runway at Heathrow — which he claimed would be the the best way to maximise efficiency at an expanded airport.

Mr Hoon said: “Because of the need to plan for the long term, I can also announce that I am forming a new company — High Speed 2 — to consider the case for new high-speed rail services from London to Scotland. As a first stage, we have asked the company to develop a proposal for an entirely new line between London and the West Midlands, which would enable faster journeys to other destinations in the North of England and Scotland using both existing lines and a new high-speed rail network.”

Mr Hoon said the company would advise ministers on the feasibility and credibility of a new line, including specific route options and financing proposals.

There have been calls for a high-speed rail line for decades but yesterday’s statement was the first time the Government has committed itself to creating a new line.

The Tories also back plans for a high-speed rail line and pledged, if in Government, to build a high-speed rail link starting in 2015 and completed in 2027. However, the line, boasting trains reaching speeds of up to 200mph, would link London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds, rather than Newcastle, or Glasgow.

The Liberal Democrats want a link from the capital to Leeds and Manchester within 15 years, with extensions to Newcastle and Edinburgh to follow by 2025.