Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the planned timeframe is for completion of the northern link for services from Sheffield to the main High Speed Two line.

The northern link for services from Sheffield to the main High Speed Two line is being considered as part of the Northern Powerhouse Rail project.

Transport for the North is working closely with partners across the North to develop the strategic outline business case for NPR. This work will consider the potential timescales for delivery of the network, including the northern link. This is an important milestone for the Northern Powerhouse Rail programme, and I look forward to receiving their advice in the new year.