Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Vere of Norbiton on 20 January (HL273), whether they will now answer the question put, namely, on what dates HS2 is expected to reach (1) Newcastle, and (2) Edinburgh.

Currently, HS2 services to Newcastle and Edinburgh will start between 2036 and 2040. However, as recommended by the Oakervee review, government will work with the National Infrastructure Commission to develop an integrated plan for rail investment in the North and Midlands. This will look at HS2, Northern Powerhouse Rail, and our multi-billion-pound rail investment programme – to assess whether can deliver these projects faster, cheaper, and with greater benefits and fewer impacts for the North and Midlands.