Commenting, Graham said: 'This is absolutely fantastic news. I am proud to support a Government which has made the right decision to encourage investment and create jobs in the North and Midlands. The new high speed rail link will free up vital extra capacity and help equip our economy to compete in the 21st Century.
'This cements the Conservative Party as the party of the north.'
Graham continued to comment on improvements to the route: 'I'm also pleased the Government has listened carefully to concerns about the new line and has taken unprecedented steps to reduce the environmental impact. This will ensure the whole country will benefit from HS2, from Milton Keynes to Manchester.'
Secretary of State for Transport, Justine Greening, added: 'A new high speed rail network will provide Britain with the additional train seats, connections and speed to stay ahead of the congestion challenge and help create jobs, growth and prosperity for the entire country.
'HS2 will link some of our greatest cities – and high speed trains will connect with our existing railway lines to provide seamless journeys to destinations far beyond it. This is a truly British network that will serve far more than the cities directly on the line.
'More than a century ago the Victorians built railways that continue to serve us to this day and just over 50 years ago the post-war generation chose to invest in motorways, bringing higher road capacity and faster journeys to millions. Both transformed the economic and social fabric of this country: HS2 is our generation's investment in Britain and our children.'