THE Prime Minister has confirmed the Government's support for new domestic High Speed lines connecting London with Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester, while the chief executive of the West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive – Centro –  has predicted that the new link will encourage firms in the 'overheated South East' to relocate.

David Cameron said the network would help alleviate the economic north-south divide.

During Prime Minister's question time, he told the Commons: “For 50 years we have been trying to deal with the north-south divide, we have been trying to have a more effective regional policy.

“I do believe that high-speed rail has got a really effective role to play in bringing our country closer together and spreading economic benefit throughout all of our country.

400km/h trains will take as little as half an hour to travel between London and the West Midlands.

The chief executive of Centro, Geoff Inskip, welcomed Mr Cameron’s support.

He said: “It is very encouraging that the Prime Minister is backing HS2, which is going to have a dramatic effect on the economy both regionally and nationally.

“It will mean firms in the overheated south-east of England can have confidence in re-locating to the Midlands, thus creating jobs, inward investment and business opportunities for all.

“This in turn will create jobs, supply chains and spending in the local economies of the entire area, bringing sustainable growth throughout.”

The Prime Minister made his comments as he responded to a question from Conservative Andrea Leadsom, whose constituency of South Northants. will be potentially affected by the new route.

She said: “Are you aware of the concerns of many people at reports in the Press that you plan to support high-speed rail regardless of the consultation next year? Would you spread a bit of Christmas cheer by reassuring my constituents that you will keep an open mind and you will not be railroading (these proposals) through?”

Mr Cameron said there would be a ‘proper consultation’ before lending his support to High Speed rail.

Centro said it had already demonstrated with a study of its own that the already substantial boost to West Midlands economic output, average wages and job creation could be doubled if the High Speed line were to be combined with improvements to the region’s existing rail network.

Journey times between London and Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield would come down from about 2h10 now to 1h15, while London to Glasgow and Edinburgh journey times would be reduced to about 3h30.

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