Ministers Weighing Options Amid Cash Concerns

Rumors have been swirling that the Crewe to Manchester leg of HS2, the high-speed rail line, may be scrapped in an effort to cut costs. Ministers are now seriously considering scaling back the project.

PM and Chancellor Set to Decide

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt will make the final decision on the future of HS2 this week. They will take into account the financial implications and growing concerns over pouring more money into the rail line.

Leeds Line Already Axed, Euston Terminal Replaced

Already, the line to Leeds has been canceled, and plans for the Euston terminal in central London have been replaced with a station outside the city center. This signals a trend of cost-cutting measures being implemented.

Budget Pressures and Inflation Concerns

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps emphasized the need for responsible budgeting, taking into account the financial strain caused not only by the COVID-19 pandemic but also by the conflict in Ukraine. Rising costs and inflation make it imperative to consider savings.

Manchester Leg Axing Sparks North-South Divide Fears

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has expressed concerns that scrapping the Crewe to Manchester leg would leave Northern voters feeling like "second class citizens." He warns that it could widen the already prominent North-South divide in the UK.

Lack of Consistency from Labour

The Labour party has been grappling with its stance on HS2, with conflicting positions surfacing last week. Shadow Chief Secretary Darren Jones recently stated that the party would "love to see" the project completed in full, adding another layer of confusion.