New rail minister raises hopes high-speed line may include Bradford

Huw Merriman appears supportive of city's re-inclusion in NPR plans but says decision remains with Treasury

Hopes that a planned northern high-speed railway line may include Bradford after all have been raised after the new rail minister said he was still working on options" to link in the city.

Huw Merriman said he was committed to local consultation" and passionate about delivering better services" to Bradford, whose removal from the future high-speed rail map last year provoked uproar in the north.