Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 29 June 2026 to Question 12808 on High Speed 2 Line, what indicative timetable she has set for (a) a decision in principle, (b) the commencement of construction and (c) completion of a new high-speed rail line between Birmingham and Manchester.

The first step in our work to deliver a new railway between Birmingham to Manchester is a feasibility study involving local partners. This study is now underway and will develop options for the line of route, specification, delivery and funding arrangements.