In a long-anticipated move, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has officially confirmed the abandonment of the northern leg of the HS2 high-speed rail project. Ending weeks of speculation, reports had been circulating that the high-speed line would terminate in Birmingham rather than extending up to Manchester.

Mr Sunak, who had been evading the question for days, finally made the announcement during the closing speech at this year’s Conservative Party conference. The decision has stirred mixed reactions, with critics labelling it a political misstep.

Sunak, however, defended the move, asserting that the £36 billion saved from scrapping the northern leg of HS2 would be reinvested in a multitude of new transport projects. The Chancellor emphasised that every region outside of London would receive equal or increased government investment compared to what they would have received under HS2.

“We will reinvest every single penny saved from HS2,” Sunak stated, outlining plans for hundreds of new transport initiatives across the North, Midlands, and the entire country. He pledged quicker results, aiming to address transportation needs and infrastructure development on a broader scale.

The announcement was met with criticism from figures like Tory West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, who dubbed it “an incredible political gaffe.” Meanwhile, Labour Mayor Andy Burnham voiced his opposition to the scrapping of the HS2 link, emphasising its potential impact on connectivity and regional development.