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# Lichfield MP highlights “further uncertainty” over northern leg of HS2 route
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/lichfield-mp-highlights-further-uncertainty-over-northern-leg-of-hs2-route/
- Published: 2021-09-07T12:02:24.000Z
- Updated: 2021-09-07T15:53:20.000Z
- Description: Lichfield’s MP says there is further uncertainty emerging over the northern leg of the controversial HS2 rail line.
- Author: Lichfield Live
- Tags: HS2, Politics, Transport, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 19:15, News

Lichfield’s MP says there is further uncertainty emerging over the northern leg of the controversial HS2 rail line.

![An artist's impression of the HS2 line](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e3/90/e390c3da-0866-4d2a-8ffe-ca4999d7ce1c/content/images/lichfieldlive-co-uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/wdv-update_19-2.jpg)

An artist’s impression of the HS2 line

The Phase 2b section, which is scheduled to connect Crewe to Manchester, has previously been [given a red ‘unachievable’ rating](https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/lichfield-mp-calls-for-clarification-on-future-of-hs2-northern-section-after-report-rates-it-unachievable/) by the Government’s Infrastructure Projects Authority.

Conservative MP Michael Fabricant tabled a written question to the Department of Transport over the extent to which the move would impact on plans for HS2 services to go north of Birmingham.

Andrew Stephenson MP, the minister with direct for responsibility, replied that “no decision had yet been taken”.

![Andrew Stephenson MP and Michael Fabricant MP during their visit to HS2 sites](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e3/90/e390c3da-0866-4d2a-8ffe-ca4999d7ce1c/content/images/lichfieldlive-co-uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/andrew-stephenson-mp-hs2-mf.jpg)

Andrew Stephenson MP and Michael Fabricant MP during a visit to HS2 sites around Lichfield

> “HS2 Phase 2b is at a much earlier stage of development than other phases of the HS2 project, with baseline cost and schedule information still being finalised.  
>  
> “It is also being looked at as part of the Integrated Rail Plan, which will soon outline exactly how major rail projects, including HS2 phase 2b and other transformational projects such as Northern Powerhouse Rail, will work together to deliver the reliable train services that passengers across the North and Midlands need and deserve.  
>  
> “This will provide further certainty on issues like phasing on HS2 Phase 2b, which, together with approvals on baseline cost and schedule information, will allow the project to proceed to its next stage and in turn improve delivery confidence.”  
>  
> Andrew Stephenson MP

But Mr Fabricant said the response demonstrated the continued doubt over the scale of the high speed rail project.

> “These answers reveal further uncertainty over the future of the line.  
>  
> “Government sources had previously said that no HS2 services will run northwards from the Birmingham spur until the line to Manchester is completed – these answers point to HS2 terminating at Crewe and then continuing on the regular West Coast Main Line northwards.   
>  
> “If that is case, will this mean no HS2 services will run north from Birmingham? As has been widely reported, it is doubtful whether the eastern leg of HS2 to Leeds will be completed.”  
>  
> Michael Fabricant MP