The Rt Hon Patrick McLoughlin MP, Secretary of State for Transport addressed the High Speed Rail Industry Leaders fringe event in Manchester – stating that he strongly supports greater investment in infrastructure across the country because it is vital for wider economic growth. The Secretary of State also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the Northern Powerhouse, highlighting the examples of the re-development of Birmingham New Street station and Manchester’s Victoria station, and noting how passenger experience will be greatly improved through better connectivity, more capacity, quicker journeys, simpler fares free WiFi and guaranteed rail fares for all of this Parliament.