![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/hs2-scaled-back-as-rishi-sunak-makes-new-transport-pledges/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/131327073_gettyimages-1697759074.jpg&description=Image source, Getty Images Image caption, A worker walks outside the HS2 construction site at Euston Station in London The prime minister has pledged billions for transport projects across the country after scrapping the northern leg of the HS2 high speed rail link. Rishi Sunak said in a speech at the Conservative party conference that £36bn would be spent on alternative rail, road and bus schemes instead. It came after he confirmed that the Birmingham-Manchester leg of HS2 would be ditched after weeks of speculation. He said the decision was due to huge costs and long delays. But it has led to accusations the government is abandoning its mission to "level up" different areas of the UK outside London. The GMB union said the decision would "send a shockwave through the construction industry and railway supply chain, costing hundreds of jobs". In his speech, Mr Sunak said the government "will reinvest every single penny" saved from cancelling the remainder of HS2, which he said totals £36bn. "Every region outside of London will receive the same or more government investment than they would have done under HS2, with quicker results," he said, although it is not clear when this money will be made available. "Our plan will drive far more growth and opportunity here in the North than a faster train to London ever would," he added. The high speed rail project was intended to link London, the Midlands and the north of England. The first part, between west London and Birmingham, is already being constructed. Mr Sunak confirmed that it will be completed, given how far along that section is. But the scheme as a whole has already faced delays, cost increases and cuts - including the planned eastern leg between Birmingham and Leeds which was axed in late 2021 . In March, the government announced that building the line between Birmingham and Crewe, and then onto Manchester, would be delayed for at least two years. Grant Shapps, the current Defence Secretary and former Transport S){kind=link}
The prime minister has pledged billions for transport projects across the country after scrapping the northern leg of the HS2 high speed rail link.
Rishi Sunak said in a speech at the Conservative party conference that £36bn would be spent on alternative rail, road and bus schemes instead.
It came after he confirmed that the Birmingham-Manchester leg of HS2 would be ditched after weeks of speculation.
He said the decision was due to huge costs and long delays.
But it has led to accusations the government is abandoning its mission to “level up” different areas of the UK outside London.