Minister’s warning over rail project

In her first appearance before MPs she refused to describe herself as an “enthusiastic” supporter of the High Speed Two (HS2) scheme, striking a more cautious note than her predecessor Philip Hammond, who had been a passionate backer of the project.

She said she would “take great care” in considering the responses to a consultation over the £32bn scheme which has seen strong support from northern politicians and businesses contrasted with vehement opposition from many in areas of the South-East where the line will run.

Under the Government’s current plans, a first line will be built from London to Birmingham before two branches are built further north to Leeds and Manchester, with the full network opening by 2033.

Consultants say the links, cutting 45 minutes from journey times between London and Leeds, would be worth billions of pounds to the economy, but critics have questioned that assertion and Ms Greening will have to take the final decision on whether to proceed after considering the consultation findings.

Asked by the chairman of the Commons Transport Select Committee, Louise Ellman, whether she was an “enthusiastic” supporter of HS2, Rotherham-born Ms Greening replied: “The way I approach this will not be an emotional one. It will be a rational one, taking note of the many local concerns.”

She added: “To my mind, when you look at what high-speed rail has bought to other countries it’s impossible not to see the benefits. It’s absolutely right to look at HS2.

“I recognise what a big decision this will be and also recognise there are many views on this and I will take great care on how I look at them.”

Ms Greening added that the Government would not be reconsidering its controversial decision to award a big Thameslink rail contract to German company Siemens rather than Derby-based Bombardier.

And she said that her known opposition to another runway at Heathrow was hardly controversial, given that it was already Government policy not to back a third runway at the London airport.

Ms Greening took over the Transport Department from Mr Hammond who has taken over as Defence Secretary in a reshuffle following the resignation of Liam Fox.