BURY South MP Ivan Lewis has welcomed the government’s decision to review the HS2 high-speed rail project.

Last week new Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said he would decided whether to go ahead with the multi-billion scheme to connect London to the North by the end of the year.

Independent MP Mr Lewis,, who has questioned the project in Parliament, said: “ I welcome the Government’s announcement of a review today.

“This review will only be meaningful if it takes evidence from whistleblowers currently constrained by non-disclosure agreements.

“Ministers should insist HS2 release former employees from non-disclosure obligations obligations so they can cooperate fully with the inquiry.

"Ministers must stop denying such agreements exist."