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Rachel backed plans to create a high speed rail line from London to Leeds in her contribution to the Government’s consultation on the future of the line. The proposed line will cut journey times from London to Leeds to just 80 minutes and has the potential to unlock large amounts of investment for the Leeds economy.

Rachel said in her letter to the Government: “Cutting the journey time between Leeds and London to just 80 minutes is an important opportunity for a city that can offer so much, but is too often considered to be a distant outpost from London.

I have strongly backed a development in my constituency that is seeking to attract major companies to the outskirts of the city, and believe that good infrastructure is central to such projects, which can bring significant economic benefits to areas which need investment.

Bringing the High Speed line to Leeds has the potential to bring in considerable private investment to the city, and contribute to a regional rebalancing of our economy.”

You can contribute to the consultation until 12 midnight at http://highspeedrail.dft.gov.uk/

Metro also announced that they had agreed a final funding bid for Kirkstall Forge to be submitted to the Department for Transport, with a significant contribution from site developer CEG. Rachel said:

“Metro have worked hard with developers CEG to make sure that this scheme is value for money. The development at Kirkstall Forge will make a huge difference to transport in west Leeds, and bring jobs and investment to the area. I’m pleased that the revised bid has been approved by Metro and look forward to the Department for Transport’s response.”