Former transport secretary Grant Shapps has defended the prime minister amid speculation the HS2 rail line from Birmingham to Manchester could get cut. | ITV National News
is prepared to take “difficult long-term decisions” amid widespread speculation the prime minister will axe the northern leg of HS2.rail line from Birmingham to Manchester – despite opposition from Tory predecessors, business chiefs and the Mayor of London.
The Observer suggested the decision to kill off the Manchester leg of the scheme could come before the Tories host their conference in the city on October 1. Speaking to ITV News' Harry Horton, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said HS2 is needed 'to make sure the UK economy is competitive in the future'Spiralling costs could prevent investment in other transport projects and wipe out any financial benefits from the scheme, the newspaper said.
Sir John Armitt, chairman of the National Infrastructure Commission, said it would be a “tragedy” if the scheme was cut back.He warned it would damage the UK’s appeal as a place to invest in major projects. “London never has to choose between a north-south line and an east-west line and good public transport within the city.
He said the speculation about scrapping the Birmingham-Manchester leg of the route was “deeply worrying”.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Grant Shapps hints Rishi Sunak could axe northern HS2 legThe Cabinet minister said there was a 'perfectly legitimate question' about the future of HS2
Read more »
Inheritance tax 'punitive and unfair', says Grant Shapps, as Rishi Sunak 'considers cut'As reports suggest the prime minister is considering a cut to inheritance tax, which only affects a small minority of the population, Grant Shapps has said he understands why some may be in favour of the controversial move.
Read more »
Donald Trump backs Rishi Sunak’s decision to water down net zero measuresFormer US president Donald Trump said he knew Rishi Sunak was ‘smart’.
Read more »
Donald Trump backs Rishi Sunak’s decision to water down net zero measuresFormer US president Donald Trump said he knew Rishi Sunak was ‘smart’.
Read more »
Rishi Sunak declines to back HS2 to north of England as Tory civil war stirsRishi Sunak has insisted he is committed to levelling up despite declining to back building HS2 to the north of England in the face of warnings by…
Read more »
Rishi Sunak stays silent on inheritance tax slash speculationRishi Sunak declined to comment on speculation that he is drawing up plans to slash inheritance tax.
Read more »