Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that future proposals for a northern leg of HS2 adhere to the principle of no net loss of biodiversity and protect (a) ancient woodlands and (b) other natural habitats.

As part of the Northern Growth Strategy, the Government set out its long-term ambition to deliver a new railway line between Birmingham and Manchester. This is not a reinstatement of HS2. The first step is feasibility work, working closely with local partners, including consideration of environmental impacts.