On 28 February, UK Transport Secretary Philip Hammond launched the public consultation on High Speed Rail. It is one of the biggest public consultations ever undertaken, and will cover the Government’s proposed strategy for a wider network linking London, the West Midlands and Manchester and Leeds, and the proposals for a route from London to the West Midlands.

The consultation will run for five months until 29 July, which is longer than the 12 weeks recommended by the Cabinet Office for public consultations. It will include roadshows in towns and villages along the proposed route between London and the West Midlands.