'What a disgrace': Andy Burnham reacts to latest HS2 reports as north looks set to lose out
manchestereveningnews.co.ukAndy Burnham has reacted with fury after reports HS2 trains will come to Manchester - but on 'normal tracks'. Sky News tonight reported that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has decided to drastically alter the northern leg of the high-speed rail project to save money, effectively scrapping the high-speed stretch to Manchester.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said the reported new plan was 'a disgrace'. It comes after reports earlier this week that the prime minister has decided to cancel the Manchester leg of the high-speed rail project as costs spiral over £100bn.
On Tuesday morning, Mr Sunak refused to confirm he will scrap the northern section of the rail-line, despite widespread reports the government had decided to pull the plug on the project with a Cabinet meeting to be held in Manchester ahead of the announcement. READ MORE: Man dies after police incident closes section of M60 READ MORE: The gangsters from Yorkshire who brought terror to Moss Side's Caribbean Carnival The Prime Minister, who remains in Manchester today for the Conservative party conference, could use his set-piece speech on Wednesday to announce the decision.
There are reports he will say the money that would have been spent on HS2 will instead be diverted to other projects for the north.
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