They say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results. When it comes to speaking out on securing a Midlands-North West Rail Link and investment in Crewe Station, I’ll happily take that label.

As I’ve said before, during a recent Commons Adjournment Debate: Crewe is not just a station, it’s a symbol of ambition and opportunity for the North.

Crewe Station is at the centre of British rail and has been for almost 200 years. During this time, it has played a pivotal role in bridging the North-South divide and connecting passengers to cities across the UK, whilst also handling 75% of West Coast Mainline freight.

I know that some of my constituents have reservations about whether an HS2 replacement plan can really make a difference to people living in the area. To them, I would say that I am working tirelessly to ensure that any investment secured is felt throughout all of Crewe & Nantwich, reaching those working in industries far beyond the transport sector.

This opportunity is too great for us to miss, which is why I raised it with the Prime Minister in Parliament this week. I asked him to review the proposals to extend high speed rail beyond Birmingham and remedy the great betrayal left by the Conservative government.

I welcome the Prime Minister’s positive reaction to my question, and his confirmation that this government is reviewing the position it inherited with regards to HS2. Whatever the outcome of this campaign, I am committed to unapologetically championing the case for investment in Crewe and Nantwich.

The previous government’s decision to scrap HS2 in the North was a devastating disservice to Crewe and the wider region. In Crewe alone, HS2 would have meant nearly 5,000 new jobs, 4,500 new homes and a boost the local economy of £750m.

More broadly, the project would have been transformative to levelling up the country, with an estimated £2bn boost to Cheshire and Warrington per annum. Replacing HS2 would boost growth not only in Crewe, but to its neighbouring areas as well.

This isn’t just about improving journeys, it’s about creating jobs, solving the climate crisis, and supporting local businesses – bigger enterprises like Bentley and Alstom as well as smaller businesses that would benefit from increased footfall and regenerative investment.

I will continue to make the case for greater rail connectivity in Crewe and ensure that its benefits are evident throughout my constituency.