Sunak speech - latest: PM lambasted for taking ‘nuclear option’ on HS2

Rishi Sunak has been criticised for his decision to axe the northern leg of HS2, following days of speculation over the future of the high-speed project.

Speaking at the Conservative Party conference, the prime minister said the facts had changed and insisted he had "the courage to change direction" with the project.

However, his announcement was met with derision from railway unions, opposition politicians and even some Conservatives - including West Midlands mayor Andy Street, who had previously described the move as an "incredible gaffe".

Darren Caplan, Railway Industry Association chief executive, said: "Scrapping HS2 Phase 2 is simply unnecessary and squanders the full benefits of Phase 1. The government can work with metro mayors, the railway industry, rail suppliers, and other stakeholders, to agree a cost-effective way forward, including encouraging private investment to take pressure off the public purse.

"Today’s nuclear option is defeatist and sends a terrible signal to potential overseas investors that the UK simply cannot deliver large national transport infrastructure schemes."

For HS2 what is likely to be a controversial decision, Sunak promised:

• to reinvest "every single penny" of the £36bn cost in hundreds of new transport projects

• reduced travel times, including Manchester to the new Bradford station in 30 mins

• that HS2 will still run to Euston in central London

• spend £12bn linking Manchester and Liverpool

• build a Midlands rail hub and Leeds tram

• upgrade the A1, A2, A5 and the M6

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham said: "It always seems that people here where I live and where I kind of represent can be treated as second class citizens when it comes to transport... it's just so wrong."

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