The Integrated Rail Plan

Today the government is expected to announce details of a £96 billion Integrated Rail Plan to improve railways in the Midlands and the North, helping to level up the UK as we build back better.

  • If Britain is to see levelling up in action now, we must rapidly transform the services that matter most to people.
  • So today the government will announce the details of an Integrated Rail Plan – the biggest transport investment programme in a century – which aims to deliver the same, similar or better outcomes as the original HS2 proposals for nearly everywhere, but do at least ten years earlier than planned.
  • This morning the BBC and Labour politicians were denouncing the plan based on what they think might or might not be in it. It might be better to see what is actually announced first and then make an informed judgement.
  • What I am hearing is that this plan will deliver quicker and more meaningful transport connections for passengers across the country as we level up and build back better. Let's wait and see what is actually announced and then we can have an informed discussion.

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