"Worth upsetting people" over HS2

It is worth “upsetting people” to build the high-speed rail line from London to Manchester and Leeds, the Transport Secretary says today.

Patrick McLoughlin will unveil the route for the line north of Birmingham on Monday, saying it will “service the United Kingdom for the next 100 years” and will “be a great engine for regeneration”.

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Mr McLoughlin suggests that those who oppose the £32?billion project should consider its economic benefits. He believes that those in the North will welcome the scheme but is braced for a backlash from countryside campaigners and Tory MPs, with the proposed route from London to Birmingham having met strong opposition.

The line will cut the journey time from Manchester to London to one hour and eight minutes when it opens in 2033. Up to 18 trains an hour will be able to connect England’s major cities.

The line will pass near to Wendover, Aylesbury, Bicester and run just north of Banbury.

Many people in the towns and villages in our region say there is no case for the scheme.