Pat McFadden said Labour would have to examine the state of the public finances at the time of the next election before committing to High Speed 2
But ministers have refused to guarantee thatLabour said in its official policy dossier released on Friday that it would deliver the project “in full” if it wins the next general election. But Pat McFadden, the shadow Cabinet Office minister and Labour’s campaign co-ordinator, suggested the policy might not end up in the party’s manifesto.He told the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg: “We want to see the railway being built. It looks as though the Government is now putting a question mark over this.
The conclusions of Labour’s national policy forum stated: “We will also keep the promises made to the North and Midlands and deliver Northern Powerhouse Rail and High Speed 2 in full, unlocking billions in economic growth, creating decent jobs, slashing journey times and increasing capacity.” If the Government does cancel the northern spur of HS2 before the next election, it will save billions of pounds in the national accounts. That would mean that to reinstate it, Labour would need to find money from elsewhere – whereas if the Government commits to it, Labour could continue the policy without needing to raise more revenue.
He told Sky News: “The fact of the matter is there are spades in the ground. HS2 is in the process of being built. It is transformational. When I’ve been up to see the fantastic work that Andy Street is doing in the West Midlands, much of that is dependent on the economic input that HS2 will have in that region. It’s an important piece of infrastructure.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Labour pledges not to spend without tax rises as it publishes election policiesThe party has committed to a goal of making all energy zero-carbon by 2030 but doubled down on strict rules governing tax and spending
Read more »
Labour leader and by-election candidate make affordable housing pledgeLabour leader Anas Sarwar and by-election candidate Michael Shanks visited a new build site in Cambuslang on Wednesday for National Housing Day.
Read more »
Labour pledges not to spend more without tax rises as it publishes election policiesThe party has laid out strict rules governing tax and spending which means it will increase funding for services only if economic growth boosts government revenues
Read more »
Labour rules out Scottish independence talks with SNP after general electionRachel Reeves said the SNP winning a majority of seats in Scotland would not 'in any way' be a mandate for independence
Read more »
Reeves: SNP strategy not a mandate for independence under LabourA motion says the SNP would seek to start negotiations with the UK Government on independence if wins a majority of seats at the general election.
Read more »