Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the economic impact of the potential agglomeration of Nottingham and Birmingham, which will be made possible by the introduction of high speed trains.

Analysis of IRP options has focused on benefits to transport users (including businesses) alongside some impacts on the wider economy – specifically the productivity improvements associated with reducing journey times between two places. By improving regional connectivity, the Integrated Rail Plan will unify labour markets, so that people can access a much wider range of jobs; effectively bring businesses closer together; and improve access to key international gateways and markets so they become more even more attractive locations for business investment.