The West Midlands Conservative mayor, Andy Street, has warned that cancelling the Manchester leg of HS2 would be tantamount to “cancelling the future”. Street’s comments were made in response to long-standing reports that the prime minister may soon announce the project’s cancellation. Street subsequently implored the Prime Minister to “stay the course” and avert damage to the UK’s global reputation as a place in which to invest by following through on plans for HS2 in Manchester. Downing Street has insisted that no final decisions on the project have yet been taken.
At an impromptu press conference at the Conservative party conference in Manchester, Street argued that cancelling HS2 would constitute a missed opportunity to “level up” and create more employment opportunities while working on a new financing model for the project. Street suggested that while the costs are skyrocketing and the situation warrants re-examination, cancelling the project would amount to giving up and damaging the nation’s future prospects.
Labour’s Shadow Transport Secretary Louise Haigh has weighed in on reports of HS2’s axing as evidence that the Conservatives are too divided and preoccupied to steer the country forward. Meanwhile, the Labour mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham, expressed disappointment at the reports and railed at the perception that northern inhabitants were being treated like second-class citizens.
The high-speed rail line has faced criticism for delays, budget overruns, and cuts, despite aiming to shorten journey times, provide more rail network space, and generate more work outside London. The first government estimate in 2010 was around £33bn, while the most recent more official estimate was roughly £71bn. Some politicians recoil from the project, claiming it has caused much human misery in certain regions. However, former prime ministers Boris Johnson, Theresa May, and David Cameron have all warned against reducing the high-speed line
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