Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he has plans for a new direct high speed rail link between Liverpool and High Speed Two; and if he will make a statement.

Improvements to rail connectivity between Liverpool and Manchester are being considered as part of the Northern Powerhouse Rail project. Options include a direct connection from the HS2 line to Liverpool.

Transport for the North is working closely with partners across the North to develop the strategic outline business case for NPR. This is an important milestone for the Northern Powerhouse Rail programme, and I look forward to receiving their advice in the new year.