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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