Today I was invited to speak with Lord Adonis, the transport secretary, about the plans for investment in Leeds' transport infastructure. I'm sure you will have heard that the city will soon be getting a high speed rail link to London, which will make travel to the capital significantly faster and, in all likelihood, cheaper too, helping to bring the North and South closer together. What you might not have heard is that the government also intends to invest in a new trolley bus scheme for the city, which will make getting around much easier for commuters.

I also visited Tyersal School, where they were opening a new bird hide which will help the students to learn about science and nature; another concrete example of our investment in schools in the area, and one which pupils will be able to enjoy for years to come.