Speaking during Prime Minister's Questions, Mr Johnson told MPs it was his intention to "develop the eastern leg as well as the whole of HS2". This plan would involve seeing the eastern leg terminate at East Midlands Parkway. Labour MP Ian Mearns (Gateshead) said it is "crucial" to the people of the North East that the eastern leg of the high-speed rail project goes ahead. The National Infrastructure Commission said investment should be pumped into regional networks rather than building the full HS2 line to Leeds. Plans involve Phase 1 running from London to Birmingham, Phase 2a from Birmingham to Crewe, and Phase 2b from Crewe to Manchester, and from Birmingham to Leeds.

Source: Daily Mirror February 10, 2021 16:29 UTC