Integrated Rail Plan

Transport Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 15 Dec 2021 Closed: 13 Jul 2023 Parliament page
The Committee is interested in the implications of the Integrated Rail Plan (IRP) for the economy and rail capacity and connectivity. We are particularly interested in receiving written evidence that addresses: The contribution that the IRP will make to rail capacity and connectivity for (a) passengers and (b) freight in … Read more
13 Recommendations
15 Conclusions
1 Report
3 Oral sessions
5 Letters
3 Events
Activity timeline 13 events
13 Jul
2023
Report published
11 Jan
2023
Correspondence
26 Oct
2022
Correspondence
12 Oct
2022
Correspondence
12 Oct
2022
Correspondence
27 Jul
2022
Report published
23 Mar
2022
Oral evidence
23 Mar
2022
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · The Grimond Room, Portcullis House
9 Mar
2022
Oral evidence
9 Mar
2022
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 16, Palace of Westminster
9 Feb
2022
Correspondence
2 Feb
2022
Oral evidence
Oral evidence sessions 3 sessions
23 Mar 2022
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Andrew Stephenson MP · Department for Transport Nick Bisson · Department for Transport Sir John Armitt CBE · National Infrastructure Commission Sir Peter Hendy CBE · Network Rail
9 Mar 2022
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Andy Street CBE · West Midlands Combined Authority Gareth Dennis · University of Birmingham Karen Heppenstall · Midlands Connect Professor Iain Docherty · Institute for Advanced Studies Professor Jon Shaw · European Platform for Transport Sciences
2 Feb 2022
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Andy Burnham · Greater Manchester Martin Tugwell · Transport for the North Rt Hon. the Lord McLoughlin CH · Transport for the North
Title HC No. Published Items Response
Second Report - The Integrated Rail Plan for the North and Midla… HC 292 27 Jul 2022 28 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
28 results
1 Conclusion Accepted
Second Report - The Integrated Rai…
We welcome the scale of the Government’s promised spending on improving rail in the North...
We welcome the scale of the Government’s promised spending on improving rail in the North and the Midlands. £96 billion is a very substantial sum; it has the potential to transform rail travel for future generations and make a significant … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts the rationale for this recommendation, though it will take longer than the suggested timeframe, and confirms it remains committed to looking at alternatives to the Golborne Link to deliver similar benefits to Scotland, and alternatives will be considered while maintaining safeguarding along the Golborne Link.
Department for Transport
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2 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - The Integrated Rai…
Nonetheless, there is still a need for prioritisation and hard choices, and the proposals set...
Nonetheless, there is still a need for prioritisation and hard choices, and the proposals set out in the Integrated Rail Plan have already left some towns and cities very disappointed. It is crucial that the Government bases its decisions on … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts the rationale and will continue to provide updated economic assessments of HS2 at key decision points, and intends to provide a proportionate economic assessment, including BCRs, alongside other options considered in the HS2 to Leeds study.
Department for Transport
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3 Recommendation Rejected
Second Report - The Integrated Rai…
Whilst we recognise that the Golborne link was not perfect, and faced substantial local opposition,...
Whilst we recognise that the Golborne link was not perfect, and faced substantial local opposition, given its importance in terms of unlocking capacity for passengers and freight, and reducing journey times to Scotland, we are concerned that it has been … Read more
Government Response
The government does not accept the recommendation to set out alternative plans that add similar capacity as a minimum because of the IRP investment and adaptive approach.
Department for Transport
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4 Conclusion Accepted
Second Report - The Integrated Rai…
The failure to calculate an updated benefit-cost ratio (BCR) raises questions over whether the case...
The failure to calculate an updated benefit-cost ratio (BCR) raises questions over whether the case for changes to the HS2 Eastern leg have been properly assessed. It is concerning that the Government would make a decision on such an important … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts the rationale for this recommendation and will continue to provide updated economic assessments of HS2 at key decision points for the programme, and intends to provide a proportionate economic assessment, including BCRs, alongside other options considered in the HS2 to Leeds transport appraisals.
Department for Transport
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5 Recommendation Accepted
Second Report - The Integrated Rai…
To take account of the changes of plan for the HS2 Eastern leg and to...
To take account of the changes of plan for the HS2 Eastern leg and to inform current and future decision-making, the Department for Transport should publish by March 2023 an updated BCR for (a) the entire HS2 project and (b) … Read more
Government Response
The government will develop and expand on the wider economic and levelling up benefits in future business cases, including proposals for HS2 East and the HS2 to Leeds Study, and will publish the NPR Strategic Outline Business Case later this year.
Department for Transport
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6 Conclusion Accepted
Second Report - The Integrated Rai…
Without having completed a full analysis of the wider economic impacts, it is difficult to...
Without having completed a full analysis of the wider economic impacts, it is difficult to see how the Government has fully assessed the levelling-up agenda and the case for different NPR options. Leaving out these key elements of analysis means … Read more
Government Response
The government will publish the terms of reference for the work on wider economic impacts before the summer recess and anticipates that the study will take around 18 months.
Department for Transport
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7 Conclusion Accepted
Second Report - The Integrated Rai…
The Government’s levelling up agenda commits it to ending geographical inequality in the UK.
The Government’s levelling up agenda commits it to ending geographical inequality in the UK. However, by underserving the rail needs of the North of England it is letting down those who require change the most. Upgrading lines will undoubtedly bring … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts the recommendation subject to the future conclusions of the HS2 to Leeds Study and will work with local partners to ensure Leeds station has capacity to meet the additional services outlined in the IRP by 2035, including platform extensions and improvements to station approaches.
Department for Transport
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8 Recommendation Accepted
Second Report - The Integrated Rai…
The Government must remain open to the possibility that this thorough reassessment of the evidence...
The Government must remain open to the possibility that this thorough reassessment of the evidence base, taking full account of the impact on levelling up communities in the North and Midlands, may show that Options 2 or 3 for Northern … Read more
Government Response
The government will reassess the evidence for better connecting Bradford and the case for a new station as part of the NPR development program and the HS2 to Leeds Study and stands by the conclusions of the IRP on Bradford.
Department for Transport
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9 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - The Integrated Rai…
The potential of Bradford as an engine room of the Northern Powerhouse may be squandered...
The potential of Bradford as an engine room of the Northern Powerhouse may be squandered if it is not given opportunities to thrive through better connectivity. Direct high speed connections would give the city access to a much broader pool … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the recommendation and states it has continued to engage with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Manchester City Council (MCC) regarding an underground station but concludes that a surface station is the appropriate design solution.
Department for Transport
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10 Recommendation Acknowledged
Second Report - The Integrated Rai…
A full assessment of the levelling up impact of the various NPR and HS2 Eastern...
A full assessment of the levelling up impact of the various NPR and HS2 Eastern leg options does not appear to have been carried out to date. The Government must ensure that the impact of NPR decisions on Bradford in … Read more
Government Response
The government notes the recommendation and explains that the IRP confirmed HS2 services between Birmingham and central Nottingham, via East Midlands Parkway which would provide greater connectivity between the East and West Midlands.
Department for Transport
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11 Conclusion Accepted
Second Report - The Integrated Rai…
We welcome the Government’s pledge to look at how the Eastern leg of HS2 might...
We welcome the Government’s pledge to look at how the Eastern leg of HS2 might be constructed in full to Leeds as originally planned; the city is a key focal point not only of existing rail networks, but of economic value and potential in the North.
Government Response
The government accepts the recommendation and expects to provide further information on ranges and sensitivities for both costs and benefits where such information is available and can meaningfully be applied through the next stage of development.
Department for Transport
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12 Recommendation Accepted
Second Report - The Integrated Rai…
The Government must conduct its study on how best to take HS2 to Leeds urgently.
The Government must conduct its study on how best to take HS2 to Leeds urgently. We ask that a timetable for this work, including a firm date for the final report, be published by September 2022. This is essential for … Read more
Government Response
The government will publish the terms of reference for the HS2 to Leeds study before the summer recess, with the study anticipated to take around 18 months; however, the government states that the study does not guarantee further interventions.
Department for Transport
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13 Conclusion Accepted in Part
Second Report - The Integrated Rai…
The redevelopment of Leeds station is key to fully realising the benefits of the Integrated...
The redevelopment of Leeds station is key to fully realising the benefits of the Integrated Rail Plan on the economy and connectivity in Leeds and West Yorkshire, and more widely. Already over capacity in its current configuration, Leeds station will … Read more
Government Response
The government partially accepts the recommendation and states that Network Rail and HS2 Ltd are developing the different aspects of the IRP, and they will provide objective and assured advice as to the likely seat and track capacity offered by the IRP.
Department for Transport
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14 Conclusion Accepted in Part
Second Report - The Integrated Rai…
We ask the Government to commit to supporting redevelopment of Leeds station by 2035 so...
We ask the Government to commit to supporting redevelopment of Leeds station by 2035 so that it has sufficient capacity to accommodate services planned under the IRP, including HS2 trains arriving in Leeds.
Government Response
The government is working to develop the Long-Term Strategy for Rail which will include a focus on opportunities for freight including delivering additional capacity and increased loading gauge clearance through the Transpennine Route Upgrade; and freeing up capacity on the WCML that could be used to run more freight trains.
Department for Transport
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15 Recommendation Accepted
Second Report - The Integrated Rai…
The Government should reconsider the case for the development of a new station in Bradford.
The Government should reconsider the case for the development of a new station in Bradford. The development of the St James’s Market station would not only enhance rail connectivity in the North, allowing further investment in the city, but also … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts the rationale for the recommendation and will address it on a project-by-project basis, with detailed mitigation already underway on TRU and HS2 through environmental controls and community engagement.
Department for Transport
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16 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - The Integrated Rai…
Local stakeholders and the Government have very different views on the likely merit and cost...
Local stakeholders and the Government have very different views on the likely merit and cost of the underground station option at Manchester Piccadilly. There are considerable cost and practical challenges to delivering this solution, though we recognise the benefits of … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges different views on the Manchester Piccadilly underground station, citing costs, delays, and lack of evidence for land value justification, stating they have engaged extensively with stakeholders.
Department for Transport
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17 Recommendation Acknowledged
Second Report - The Integrated Rai…
If the underground station option were to be deemed deliverable, it could unlock significant land...
If the underground station option were to be deemed deliverable, it could unlock significant land value in the city; it would then be reasonable to expect contributions to the cost from local government and local businesses. We recommend that this … Read more
Government Response
The Government notes the recommendation and has continued to engage with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Manchester City Council (MCC), and has engaged extensively with Greater Manchester stakeholders. They conclude that further optimisation of the underground options is unlikely to change the decision that a surface station is the appropriate design solution on the grounds of construction feasibility, health and safety, cost and delivery in service dates.
Department for Transport
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18 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Second Report - The Integrated Rai…
Birmingham stands to benefit from the new HS2 station at Curzon Street, and the easing...
Birmingham stands to benefit from the new HS2 station at Curzon Street, and the easing of capacity constraints at New Street by services moving to Moor Street station. One last piece of the puzzle appears to be facilitating connections from … Read more
Government Response
The government is considering the case for delivering the eastern section (including links to Leicester) of Midlands Rail Hub in the future, as part of the Outline Business Case for the South/West arm.
Department for Transport
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19 Conclusion Not Addressed
Second Report - The Integrated Rai…
Completed according to the planned timetable, the IRP should provide enhanced rail services for passengers...
Completed according to the planned timetable, the IRP should provide enhanced rail services for passengers in the Midlands and the North significantly earlier than previous options. This does, however, depend on the projects being completed to time, which is difficult … Read more
Government Response
The government response is a verbatim copy of the conclusion. This does not address the conclusion.
Department for Transport
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20 Conclusion Accepted
Second Report - The Integrated Rai…
The Government’s presentation of the benefits of the IRP core pipeline in comparison to previous...
The Government’s presentation of the benefits of the IRP core pipeline in comparison to previous plans should factor in time and cost ranges that reflect the contingency that will, realistically, be needed for such a large and complex package of … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts the recommendation and states that the IRP already contains information about cost and date ranges. They expect to provide further information on ranges and sensitivities for both costs and benefits where such information is available and can meaningfully be applied.
Department for Transport
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21 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Second Report - The Integrated Rai…
Journey time reductions—albeit not to the same degree as promised by previous plans—are a headline...
Journey time reductions—albeit not to the same degree as promised by previous plans—are a headline benefit of the IRP. We received detailed evidence that cast doubt on the plausibility of the times achievable under the new plans. We ask the … Read more
Government Response
The government has already published work by Mott MacDonald into the Strategic Alternatives to High Speed 2 Phase 2b, which includes an independent assessment of outputs for different alternatives on the Eastern Leg. Future business cases will include comparisons with previous plans, and detailed analysis will continue to evolve through future design stages.
Department for Transport
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22 Conclusion Accepted in Part
Second Report - The Integrated Rai…
The Government’s fixation on journey times as a benefit of the IRP must not overshadow...
The Government’s fixation on journey times as a benefit of the IRP must not overshadow the issue of capacity. It seems highly unlikely that an upgraded Victorian line can replicate the capacity increases achievable by building new track.
Government Response
The government has published work by Mott MacDonald into the Strategic Alternatives to High Speed 2 Phase 2b, which includes an independent assessment of outputs for different alternatives on the Eastern Leg, showing that significant seat increases were possible. However, they do not fully accept the conclusion that an upgraded Victorian line cannot replicate the capacity increases achievable by building new track.
Department for Transport
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23 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Second Report - The Integrated Rai…
The Department for Transport should commission a full independent assessment of the seat and track...
The Department for Transport should commission a full independent assessment of the seat and track capacity offered by the IRP, compared to the previous plans for HS2 and other options for NPR. This assessment must take into account the future … Read more
Government Response
The Government has already published work by Mott MacDonald into the Strategic Alternatives to High Speed 2 Phase 2b, which includes an independent assessment of outputs for different alternatives on the Eastern Leg, and Network Rail and HS2 Ltd will provide objective and assured advice as to the likely seat and track capacity offered by the IRP.
Department for Transport
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24 Conclusion Accepted in Part
Second Report - The Integrated Rai…
We welcome the Government’s Future of Freight Plan and the promised work to identify a...
We welcome the Government’s Future of Freight Plan and the promised work to identify a National Freight Network. We look forward to seeing more detail about how modal shift of freight to rail will be achieved through the IRP core … Read more
Government Response
The government is working on a Long-Term Strategy for Rail including opportunities for freight, recognizing the advantages of shifting freight from road to rail and will set a long-term rail freight growth target later this year; the government partially accepts the recommendation.
Department for Transport
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25 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Second Report - The Integrated Rai…
The Department for Transport should publish a rail freight strategy for the country setting out...
The Department for Transport should publish a rail freight strategy for the country setting out key plans, targets and milestones over a 30-year period. This should include a detailed assessment of how the IRP will achieve greater capacity for and … Read more
Government Response
The government partially accepts the recommendation, stating that they are working with the Great British Railways Transition Team to develop the Long-Term Strategy for Rail which will include a focus on opportunities for freight and set a long-term rail freight growth target later this year.
Department for Transport
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26 Conclusion Accepted
Second Report - The Integrated Rai…
Rail upgrades disrupt commuters, rail freight and timetabling.
Rail upgrades disrupt commuters, rail freight and timetabling. Disruption to existing services caused by upgrades to key rail lines may drive a modal shift from rail to car, which would work against the Government’s decarbonisation goals.
Government Response
The government accepts the rationale and states that mitigation measures will be done on a project-by-project basis, with work already underway on TRU and HS2, managed through environmental controls and a Community Engagement Strategy.
Department for Transport
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27 Recommendation Accepted
Second Report - The Integrated Rai…
The Department for Transport and Network Rail should set out a timetable for implementing a...
The Department for Transport and Network Rail should set out a timetable for implementing a detailed mitigation strategy to minimise disruption caused by the implementation of the IRP. This should set out a strategy for each individual project and must … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts the rationale for a detailed mitigation strategy to minimize disruption caused by the IRP, to be done on a project-by-project basis, with work already underway on TRU and HS2 including consultation with communities and stakeholders.
Department for Transport
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28 Recommendation Accepted
Second Report - The Integrated Rai…
The Government has put together a strong case for the Integrated Rail Plan, but it...
The Government has put together a strong case for the Integrated Rail Plan, but it is based on a best-case scenario which may not come to pass. Cost and time overruns for major infrastructure projects are commonplace, and disruption can … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts the recommendation to produce more cautious estimates for the benefits that are realistically achievable under the IRP, stating the IRP already contains information about cost and date ranges. They expect to provide further information on ranges and sensitivities for both costs and benefits where such information is available and can meaningfully be applied.
Department for Transport
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Government Response AI assessment · 28 of 13 classified
Accepted 13
Accepted in Part 8
Acknowledged 5
Not Addressed 1
Rejected 1
Total 13 recs + 15 conclusions
Correspondence 5 letters
11 Jan 2023 Correspondence from the Minister for Rail, Department for Transport, relating to the Integrated rail plan, dated 30 December 2022
Parliament page
26 Oct 2022 Correspondence from the Minister of State for Rail, Department for Transport relating to the Integrated Rail Plan, dated 18 October 2022
Parliament page
12 Oct 2022 Correspondence from Chair, Transport Committee to the Minister of State for Rail, Department for Transport, relating to the Government response to the Committee's report on the Integrated Rail Plan, dated 11 October 2022
Parliament page
12 Oct 2022 Correspondence from the Minister of State for Rail, Department for Transport, relating to the Government response to the Committee's report on the Integrated Rail Plan, dated 28 September 2022
Parliament page
9 Feb 2022 Correspondence from Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, relating to the Integrated Rail Plan, dated 4 February 2022
Parliament page