Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment her Department has made of the business case for the HS2 link between Birmingham and Crewe, and if she will publish an update on the economic, connectivity and regional growth merits considered as part of that assessment.

The Northern Growth Strategy set out the Government’s long-term intention to build a new line between Birmingham and Manchester, following the delivery of HS2 Phase One and Northern Powerhouse Rail. We are learning lessons from HS2 and undertaking further feasibility work to assess in detail the wider economic benefits different route options provide. Feasibility work is expected to conclude in 2028.