Verdict for high-speed rail link is still to be confirmed

A DECISION on whether to extend the HS2 high-speed rail link to Scotland has yet to be made by ministers, the UK Government has said.

Journey times between London and Birmingham will be reduced as part of the first phase of HS2, before a second phase will see the high-speed line split in two towards both Manchester and Leeds.

Politicians in Scotland hope the line will eventually be brought north of the border to reduce the journey time from Glasgow or Edinburgh to London to around three hours.

The Department for Transport said that advice on the options for high-speed rail to Scotland has been completed by HS2 Ltd, the company responsible for developing the project, and is now with ministers, who are considering the next steps.

But a report in a Sunday newspaper ha s raised concerns that the fast train service might not reach Scotland.

The report claims that HS2 Ltd has moved away from the idea of extending high-speed, and is instead looking at enhancements to existing lines.

SNP Westminster transpor t spokesman Drew Hendry MP said: “It would be outrageous if the UK Government planned to snub Scotland on HS2 and these claims would confirm fears that the feasibility study, which was sent to ministers months ago, had been held back until after the election.

“Including Scotland in HS2 would be transformative and not only deliver greater economic and business returns but also maximise environmental benefits.

“The Westminster establishment have shown a total lack of ambition throughout the development of plans for HS2 and seems committed to keeping Scotland in the slow lane.”

A Department for Transport spokesman said in response: “Scotland will benefit from high speed services from the moment HS2 opens.”