Question to the Wales Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, if he will make an assessment with Cabinet colleagues of the potential impact of the timing of the construction of HS2 between Birmingham and Crewe on the economy of north Wales.

I have regular discussions with my Cabinet colleagues on a range of transport matters relating to Wales, including HS2.

The Department for Transport expects to re-phase construction of Phase 2a (West Midlands to Crewe) by two years. We aim to deliver high-speed services to Crewe, providing connections with the North Wales Coast Line as soon as possible after accounting for the delay in construction.

The Government will continue to provide updated economic assessments of HS2 at key decision points for the programme, as has been done to date. Updated analysis will consider any impacts caused by inflationary and cost pressures.