Statement on HS2 latest
Cllr Ian Ward, leader of Âé¶¹¸ßÇå City Council, has issued the following statement on HS2.
"I welcome today's news that the Government intends pressing ahead with the London to Âé¶¹¸ßÇå stage of HS2, but it's disappointing that the second stage to link Âé¶¹¸ßÇå with the North faces yet another review.
"As I made clear to Douglas Oakervee when he launched his review, the people of the Midlands and the North have been neglected for far too long and HS2 is a once in a generation opportunity to rebalance the UK economy.
"This is not about fast trains - it's about jobs, skills and opportunities.
"HS2 will free up capacity on the rest of the rail network, improving connectivity within – and importantly between - our cities.
"It will also shift more freight onto rail - an important step towards zero carbon emissions.
"We will only truly see the full benefits of HS2 when Âé¶¹¸ßÇå and the Midlands are at the very heart of a national network.
"So, while today's news is welcome, the simple message for the Government now is to Get HS2 Done.
"Let this be the end of the delays and uncertainty."