Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what action she is taking to improve train journey times between Manchester and London.

The Government is improving rail connectivity between Manchester and London through the delivery of HS2. HS2 will provide faster and more reliable long-distance services and free up capacity on the West Coast Main Line for additional passenger and freight services. In January, the Government set out its long-term intention to deliver a full new rail line between Birmingham and Manchester.

In the shorter-term, we are carrying out development work to improve journeys between Manchester and London. We have plans to improve the resilience of the power systems across the route and, subject to funding, are refining options to increase the network's capacity between Handsacre and Manchester Piccadilly. Network Rail has also appointed a Director for Manchester, who will serve as a focal point for the reliability of services and infrastructure across the city region.

Also, as part of the first stage of the One West Coast programme, £10 million is due to be invested in critical assets over 18 months to reduce infrastructure-related disruption. This investment will focus on overhead lines and signalling, particularly between Euston and Rugby.