HS2 is something we have to do as a nation, says Scarborough and Whitby MP Robert Goodwill

Prime Minister Boris Johnson told the house that the Cabinet has given the high speed railway the green light, and he would be appointing a minister whose full-time job will be to oversee the project.

The first phase of HS2 will see a high speed rail link between London and Birmingham, with the second phase going on to Manchester and Leeds.

Phase one is likely to be up and running between 2028 and 2031 with the second phase not due to open until 2035 and 2040.

Whilst the high speed network will not venture near the coast, Scarborough and Whitby MP Robert Goodwill has said residents on the Yorkshire Coast will still benefit from the project.

He said: "Time savings and a boost to the economy will be felt across the North.

"HS2 will also allow us to get more freight off our roads and onto rail."

Mr Goodwill explained that the current rail network hasn't got the potential to get freight off the roads and in doing so, carbon emission from lorries would be reduced, and the road network would be freed up for motorists.

He continued: "HS2 is something we have to do as a nation and the improvements will be felt nationally and for people in Scarborough."

He also said that in addition to HS2, improving the national rail network was necessary to reduce overcrowding on trains, and he was confident more announcements on investment into local rail and roads would follow.

Mr Goodwill added: "The important thing to remember is that this announcement is not instead of other improvements such as the East to West rail line and the A64.

"We will expect more announcements on infrastructure in the budget.

"There is £48 million for rail improvements and a similar amount for the roads.

"These projects are long form things by nature but for this government infrastructure is being put front and centre."