A LIVELY debate took place in the Commons as MPs discussed the pros and cons of a new high-speed rail line.

According to the Government, the planned service could create 40,000 jobs and contribute to major regeneration programmes in Britain’s cities, starting with Birmingham.

On the other hand, it would cost £32 billion to build, and when you add in the cost of trains and maintenance the price comes to £44.3 billion over 60 years. With estimated fare revenue of £27.2 billion, that’s a £17.1 billion cost to the taxpayer.

Add in the potential environmental impact and you have plenty to discuss, surely?

So it was no surprise that the two-and-a-half hour debate in Westminster Hall saw plenty of opinions expressed. For example, Tory backbencher Dan Byles (Lab North Warwickshire) and Labour backbencher Geoffrey Robinson (Lab Coventry North West) argued forcefully against the line.

Tory rail minister Theresa Villiers and Labour backbencher Bob Ainsworth (Lab Coventry North East) argued just as forcefully in favour.

The only thing the debate was missing was a representative from Birmingham.

Not one of the city’s MPs took part, even though Birmingham and London are to be the first cities to benefit from what will eventually become a national high speed network.

In fairness, MPs do have plenty of demands on their time. Every city MP I spoke to about this was happy to explain why they didn’t speak up for (or against) high speed rail.

Labour MPs Steve McCabe (Lab Selly Oak) and Shabana Mahmood (Lab Ladywood) had other Parliamentary duties to perform (taking part in a separate debate on policing).

MP Richard Burden (Lab Northfield), who was working in his constituency when the debate took place, pointed out that he and other Labour MPs had publicly backed high speed rail many times.

Gisela Stuart (Lab Edgbaston) was chairing a summit on Franco-British defence co-operation.

Lib Dem MP John Hemming (Yardley) points out that the debate did not include a vote, which means it did not directly affect policy. He has also spoken in favour of high speed rail many times in the past, he said.

Tory MP Andrew Mitchell (Con Sutton Coldfield) cannot take part in backbench debates because he is a member of the Cabinet.

But still... can it really be right that not one Birmingham MP was able to create a gap in their diary so they could contribute to this debate?