I appriciate that HS2 is an emotive issue and not everyone is in favour, but it does need careful debate and so on Tuesday 17th November I hosted a Westminster Hall debate in Parliament on the subject of the Integrated Rail Plan and HS2. In particular, I wanted to use the opportunity to ensure that Andrew Stephenson, the Minister of State for Transport responsible for HS2, was aware of just how important the Eastern Leg of HS2 and the East Midlands Hub being in Toton is.
The evidence is absolutely clear that both the Eastern Leg of HS2 and the East Midlands Hub in Toton should be considered indispensable elements of the wider infrastructure investment project. Importantly for Broxtowe, the project promises to be a catalyst that will spark regeneration in the surrounding region: creating jobs, new homes, and connecting local businesses.
I was incredibly pleased that this view is shared by cross-party colleagues across Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire, and Leeds who agreed that there is no doubt that levelling up cannot be done in part; it must be done in full.