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Rishi Sunak pledges he is committed to levelling up but refuses to back building HS2 to the North \u2013 despite warnings that axing the line would be a \u201cgross act of vandalism\u201d.<\/p>\n
The Prime Minister is understood to be considering scrapping or delaying the leg of the high-speed rail network from Birmingham to Manchester because of soaring costs.<\/p>\n
He is expected to decide on the future of the project within days. Mr Sunak yesterday would not comment on what he described as \u201cspeculation\u201d.<\/p>\n
But he added: \u201cWhat I would say is we\u2019re absolutely committed to levelling up and spreading opportunity around the country, not just in the North but in the Midlands, in all other regions of our fantastic country.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd transport infrastructure is a key part of that, not just big rail projects but also local projects, improving local bus services, fixing pot holes, all of these things make a difference in people\u2019s day-to-day lives.\u201d<\/p>\n
READ MORE <\/strong> Keir Starmer humiliated as another screeching Labour U-turn exposed<\/strong><\/p>\n His remarks came amid a growing chorus of anger over the expected decision.<\/p>\n Former chancellor George Osborne and ex-deputy prime minister Lord Heseltine yesterday joined the chorus of voices against axing the route.<\/p>\n They warned in a letter to a newspaper that \u201cgovernments are remembered for what they build and create \u2013 make this mistake and yours may only be known for what it cancelled and curtailed\u201d.<\/p>\n The pair warned that if the northern section was scrapped: \u201cThe remaining stump, little more than a shuttle service from Birmingham to a London suburb, would become an international symbol of our decline.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Government should examine why other European countries have been able to build high-speed rail more cheaply, and bring the same review of planning for big energy infrastructure to transport projects that it is promising. That\u2019s a sensible serious way forward, not the gross act of vandalism that cancelling HS2 would represent.\u201d<\/p>\n Don’t miss… <\/strong> We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n The letter followed days of speculation about the northern line.<\/p>\n There have been multiple reports suggesting a meeting between the PM and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to make the final decision could happen before this weekend\u2019s Conservative Party conference in Manchester.<\/p>\n Officials fear the project, first touted by Labour in 2009 but started under Boris Johnson, could cost \u00a3100billion-plus \u2013 up from \u00a330billion when MPs first approved the scheme in 2010.<\/p>\n Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown also weighed into the row, warning: \u201cIf you embark on a big infrastructure project, you cause confusion and chaos if you just give up on a project halfway through.\u201d<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/139\/590x\/secondary\/4978070.jpg?r=1695673927898\")
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Shapps: ‘Costs have accelerated… we\u2019d be crazy not to reassess HS2′[LATEST] <\/strong>
North should not have to pay for London\u2019s mismanagement of HS2 – Andy Burnham[COMMENT] <\/strong>
Another Tory big hitter joins HS2 battle[DISCOVER] <\/strong><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/139\/590x\/secondary\/4978071.jpg?r=1695673927943\")
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