The government is pressing ahead with plans for the HS2 train line after unveiling two new bills which will pave the way for the high-speed project.
The two pieces of legislation on HS2 were included in yesterday’s Queen’s speech during the opening of Parliament in Westminster.
The first bill will give the go-ahead for the government to spend the money necessary to build the new rail link from London to Birmingham and then on to Manchester and Leeds. The first phase of HS2 from London to Birmingham is set to be completed by 2026 with the second part of the line linking Birmingham with Manchester, east Midlands, Sheffield and Leeds due to follow by 2032.
This will be followed by a second piece of legislation giving the government the legal power to buy the land needed to construct the rail line. Although affected landowners on the proposed route can ask parliament for their cases to be heard by a select committee on the subject.
The coalition government’s inclusion of these new bills in its legislative agenda for the next year was welcomed by the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC).
Chief executive Michael Roberts called the move “good news for both passengers and the economy”.
“This commitment is the next important step in securing a modern high-speed rail network linking the north and south of Britain which will unlock significant economic and environmental benefits,” added Roberts.
“A new high-speed line, alongside sustained investment in the existing network, is key to providing the extra capacity today’s booming rail industry will need in the years ahead.”