Transport Secretary Chris Grayling MP yesterday (17th July 2017) confirmed Britain’s high speed rail lines to the north-west, East Midlands and Yorkshire.

According to the UK government, the decision will mean new connections between Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield and the East Midlands – with all of them being linked to London by the line.

It is set to bring a massive economic boost for the north and the Midlands by increasing productivity and creating new business opportunities.

And the new line will free up thousands of extra seats and additional services on local lines. New research shows the impact of HS2 could more than double rush hour seats from Manchester Piccadilly towards Stoke and Crewe; and from Leeds towards Wakefield.

It could also almost double peak seats from London to Peterborough and east coast destinations further north.

The announcement could mean journeys from Birmingham to Manchester will take just 40 minutes – a trip that takes more than 80 minutes on services currently.

By providing new routes for intercity services, HS2 should free-up space on our existing railways for new commuter, regional and freight services, taking lorries off our roads.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling MP said:

“Britain’s new railway line will bring huge economic benefits across the country and help ensure this government delivers on its promise to spread wealth beyond London and the south-east.

But as well as creating skilled jobs, apprenticeships and business opportunities, it will also mean real day-to-day improvements for people across the country.

By building a whole new railway line for high-speed intercity connections, we will free up local services, meaning more comfort, more seats and more trains for passengers across the north and the midlands.

We will now press ahead with building the line, while continuing to ensure affected communities get appropriate support and are treated with fairness, compassion and respect.”