The three key points we learned from Rishi Sunak's speech in Manchester

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Rishi Sunak made several announcements in his much-anticipated speech at the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester today (October 4).

He confirmed that the Northern leg of HS2 would be scrapped following weeks of speculation over the major scheme. The Prime Minister said that 'every penny' of the £36bn saved will be spent on transport in the North and Midlands and set out a series of projects that would benefit.

He also announced new proposals for education, smoking and vaping in the hour-long speech. This includes phasing out the legal sale of cigarettes and all students having to study maths and English until 18.

However, no tax cuts were announced as Mr Sunak told the audience at Manchester Central Convention Complex that he will focus on inflation instead. READ MORE: Rishi Sunak speech LIVE as Prime Minister cancels HS2 Birmingham to Manchester leg READ MORE: 'The facts have changed': Rishi Sunak announces he IS scrapping Manchester's HS2 leg after weeks of denials The Northern leg of HS2 has been scrapped, Mr Sunak confirmed after weeks of speculation.