The reshuffles will have an impact on all of these departments but most significant for the North is the change in the Labour front bench in relation to HS2 / The North South Rail link. Originally proposed by the Labour government and adopted by the Coalition this is still a project that needs our support. But big infrastructure projects only go ahead if they are apolitical [see Olympics, Crossrail, HS1 and M25] and I have great nervousness that the demotion of Maria Eagle from the Shadow Transport Brief means the Labour party is getting ready for the right moment to pour cold water on the ‘north-south line’.
Her replacement Mary Creagh has today been repeating the Ed Balls line about there being a question about whether this is "the best use of money" and "no blank cheques". I am strong in my view that we need to stick together on this project. All Labour activists should be making the case to their MPs that this needs our support.
As to cycling I am hopeful to get an early visit to the North East from Robert Goodwill, who is the trains and cycling Minister.
