Huddersfield MP Barry Sheerman was criticised in the Commons in a row over the HS2 rail project.
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said Labour was betraying the north by hesitating over its support for the scheme.
And he labelled “specious” research highlighted by Labour MP Mr Sheerman that the line, due to run from London to Birmingham by 2026 and later to Leeds and Manchester, would in fact suck more growth to London rather than help the north.
The Commons clash came after new HS2 chairman Sir David Higgins told the Transport Select Committee he would consider the case for starting construction in the north, rather than in London.
At Deputy Prime Minister’s Questions, Mr Sheerman said: “Have you seen the recent research that shows rather than the HS2 rail line bringing strength and resurrecting the cities of the midlands and the north, actually more power will be sucked back to London and the south east?”
The Liberal Democrat leader replied: “I find that sort of research just utterly specious and I do wish the Labour Party would decide are you for or against HS2.
“It is betraying the north of England, it is betraying the great cities of the north by being so equivocal about HS2. It will play a crucial role in healing this long, long divide which has existed between the north and the south of our country.”
