Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Heidi Alexander and Martin Rhodes

Thursday 16th July 2026 Commons Chamber

[Heidi Alexander]

I am not sure that notes from sitting Secretaries of State to their successors necessarily work out all that well, as the Prime Minister said from this Dispatch Box yesterday. Let me finish where I started with the right hon. Lady’s questions to me on this matter and advise that this is a decision for the Mayor of the West Midlands. I am sure that she will continue to campaign on this issue and make the case for her constituents.

[Martin Rhodes (Glasgow North) (Lab)]

What assessment has the Secretary of State made of the potential impact of HS2 on west coast main line services between Glasgow and London?

[Heidi Alexander]

HS2 will deliver significant benefits for Scotland. Subject to future timetable and operational development, HS2 will aim to maintain the frequency of services to Scotland, increase the number of available seats for Anglo-Scot journeys and deliver an end-to-end journey experience that is an estimated 20 minutes faster.