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Ex-PM not happy with Rishi Sunak plans to scrap HS2
Rishi Sunak has again divided the North and the South with possible plans to scrap the Birmingham-Manchester HS2 route
In a recent development, there are reports suggesting that the UK government is considering scrapping the High-Speed 2 (HS2) section connecting Birmingham to Manchester.
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This news has sparked controversy and criticism, with former Conservative Prime Ministers Boris Johnson and David Cameron expressing concern.
The HS2 project is a long-awaited rail initiative aimed at linking London, the Midlands and the North of England. However, it has been plagued by delays and rising costs.
The government has already made adjustments to the project, such as pausing certain parts and even scrapping sections in the north. Now, there are reports that the Manchester section of HS2 could be scrapped, raising questions about the government's commitment to leveling the country.
Former prime ministers Boris Johnson and David Cameron have expressed concern over the possible scrapping of the Manchester section of HS2.
Boris Johnson branded the suggestions “desperate” and “Treasury-driven nonsense”. He urged the chancellor Rishi Sunak to deliver on the leveling promise made by the Tories in 2019. David Cameron privately expressed significant concerns about potential alterations to the high-speed rail line, seeing it as a central part of the leveling and a totemic promise of the conservatives. .
One of the key factors driving the proposed changes to HS2 is the assembly costs associated with the project. The budget for HS2 was initially set at £55.7bn in 2015, but reports suggest the bill has now risen to over £100bn due to inflation and other factors.
In an effort to rein in costs, the government is considering scaling back the project, potentially saving £35 billion. However, critics argue that these cost-cutting measures may not generate significant savings in the short term and could make the case for tax cuts more difficult.
The proposed scrapping of the Manchester section of HS2 has raised concerns about the government's commitment to Northern Power and the leveling of the country.
The Northern Powerhouse initiative aims to rebalance economic growth and opportunity by investing in infrastructure and promoting business development in the North of England. The possible cancellation of the Manchester leg could undermine these efforts and hamper the government's aim to bridge the north-south divide.
The proposed changes to HS2 have both political and economic implications. Critics argue that canceling the Manchester leg would be a blow to the north of England, potentially stifling economic growth and investment in the region.
It could also lead to a loss of confidence in the government's commitment to infrastructure projects and the leveling of the country. In addition, it can strain relations between the government and local authorities in the affected regions.
The Labor Party has expressed its commitment to building HS2 in its entirety, but party leader Sir Keir Starmer has been cautious about making concrete promises. While he supports the project, he blames the government for introducing uncertainty when considering cost-cutting measures.
Labor sources have indicated they do not want to go beyond the government to commit to completing the project, as it may require additional funding.
As the debate over the future of the Manchester leg of HS2 continues, it remains to be seen whether the government will go ahead with the proposed changes. The decision will no doubt have far-reaching consequences for the Northern Powerhouse, boosting efforts and infrastructure development in the UK.
Critics argue that removing the Manchester party would be a setback, while advocates of cost-cutting measures believe it is necessary to address budgetary concerns. The future of HS2 is at stake, and the government's decision will set the course for the UK's infrastructure plans.