Responding the Government’s confirmation of the route for the second phase of the high-speed rail line HS2, Andy McDonald, Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, said:

“This is just another example of Government dithering and delaying on a key infrastructure decision. The benefits HS2 can bring to the country are significant but the Government must urgently get a grip in order to keep the project on track.

“We finally know most of the proposed route of HS2. That is to be welcomed as the delay in getting to this announcement has been immensely stressful for the communities concerned.

“But there’s no excuse for dodging the decision over where to site a new station in or around Sheffield.  Labour will study the detail of the proposal and ensure that proper mitigations and a comprehensive compensation schemes are in place.”