Britain's new rail line

10/01/12

Plans are going ahead for a new high speed rail line despite the protests of opponents.

The Department for Transport (DfT) today confirmed its intention to press ahead with the £33 billion project, whose first phase will not be completed until 2026. A 'Y' network, extending from Birmingham to Manchester and Leeds will be finished by 2033.

Local Tory associations have withheld tens of thousands of pounds from party HQ to underline their opposition to plans to construct the high-speed rail link (HS2) between London and Birmingham.

Observers say a legal challenge to the proposals is inevitable and warn that, because the changes will require 'hybrid' legislation, it could prove difficult for the government to force the law through parliament before the 2015 general election.

Lib Dems: HS2 announcement excellent news

TaxPayers' Alliance: Economic case for HS2 isn’t credible

Countryside Alliance: Environmental concessions not enough

Friends of the Earth: High speed rail leaves ordinary commuters high and dry

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