McLoughlin: next PM must commit to HS2

Former Secretary of State for Transport Sir Patrick McLoughlin has contacted all the Conservative Party leadership candidates to tell them that the next Prime Minister must back HS2.

Speaking at a Railway Industry Association Rail Fellowship Programme visit to rail suppliers in Derby, McLoughlin said: “Our rail industry is of vital importance to the UK economy. And as demand grows, the Government must ensure its ambition continues to grow with it.

“HS2 is a prime example of rail being put at the heart of our economic strategy. As Transport Secretary I was proud to back HS2, and every candidate running to be the next Prime Minister should back it as well. This is a crucial project which is delivering jobs, connectivity, and enhanced capacity for the rail network. Frankly, I think it would be mad to consider scrapping it."

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