Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the (1) ownership, and (2) sponsoring, structure for the improvements outlined in the Integrated Rail Plan; and what is the involvement of (a) Network Rail, (b) HS2 Ltd, (c) The Northern Powerhouse, and (d) Transport for the North; and what consultation they intend to undertake on the Plan.

The Department will ask Network Rail to lead work, with input from HS2 Ltd, on schemes to upgrade the conventional existing rail network and option assessment on how best to take HS2 trains to Leeds.

HS2 Ltd is progressing the Western Leg hybrid Bill and will prepare legislation for the proposed high speed route from the West Midlands to the East Midlands. It is also expected to lead the next stages of work on the new line sections of Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR).

Transport for the North will continue to fulfil an important role on the NPR programme providing strategic advice and direction to the programme in line with their core statutory function through a joint sponsor role.

The Department will seek to engage representatives from the North and Midlands, including the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, throughout the development of the work outlined in the Integrated Rail Plan.