The potential abandonment of the HS2 rail link from Birmingham to Manchester has raised concerns, with the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, warning that such a move could have a detrimental impact on the improvement of rail services in northern England, potentially creating a significant north-south divide.

Speculation surrounding the project has intensified as the government has not guaranteed the extension’s continuation from the Midlands to the North West. While Prime Minister Boris Johnson refrained from commenting directly, he emphasized the government’s commitment to “levelling up,” highlighting the importance of various transportation infrastructure projects, including local initiatives, as integral to improving people’s daily lives, as stated by Chancellor Rishi Sunak.

Reports suggest that a decision regarding HS2’s fate may be imminent. This high-speed rail project aims to connect London, the Midlands, and the north of England. The construction of the initial phase between west London and Birmingham is already underway. However, the project has faced numerous setbacks, including delays, cost overruns, and cuts, such as the cancellation of the eastern leg to Leeds in late 2021.

In March, the government announced a delay of at least two years for the construction of the line between Birmingham and Crewe, extending to Manchester. On Sunday, Grant Shapps, former Transport Secretary and current Defence Secretary, expressed the need to reevaluate HS2 plans given rising costs. He did not comment on whether the Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) scheme, which connects Leeds, Manchester, and Liverpool, would proceed if the northern section of HS2 is scrapped.

Mayor Andy Burnham and Manchester City Council Leader Bev Craig have written to the Prime Minister, warning that canceling HS2 to Manchester would effectively halt NPR as well. Burnham argued that scrapping the HS2 extension would leave the north with outdated infrastructure and exacerbate the north-south divide.

In their letter, Burnham proposed considering prioritizing the northern section of the line, connecting Manchester Airport and Manchester Piccadilly, to facilitate the construction of NPR.

Juergen Maier, Vice Chair of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, emphasized that HS2 and NPR are interconnected, sharing a crucial stretch of the route between Manchester Airport and Manchester Piccadilly.

The Conservative Party conference, set to begin in Manchester, has raised questions about the timing and wisdom of canceling the project while the event takes place in the city.

Criticism of the potential HS2 abandonment has also come from former Conservative Chancellor George Osborne and Lord Heseltine, who labeled it a “gross act of vandalism” and warned of significant economic repercussions.

They argued that canceling the route would harm the North and Midlands and damage the UK’s reputation on the global stage.

The last official estimate of HS2’s costs, excluding the canceled eastern section, stood at approximately £71 billion in 2019 prices, not accounting for subsequent cost increases due to rising material and labor expenses.

In June, a parliamentary statement disclosed that £22.5 billion had been spent on the London to Birmingham leg, with an additional £2.3 billion invested in preparations for other sections, including land acquisition.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt recently voiced concerns about escalating costs, describing the situation as “totally out of control.”

The Labour Party has yet to confirm whether it would fund the HS2 line to Manchester if the Conservatives decide to terminate it. Shadow Chief Secretary for the Treasury Darren Jones emphasized Labour’s desire to proceed with HS2 but expressed frustration at the lack of clear information from the government.

Over the weekend, more than 80 companies and business leaders sought clarity on the government’s commitment to HS2. They signed a letter urging renewed support for the project, stating that mixed signals were damaging the UK’s reputation and the wider supply chain. Signatories included Manchester Airports Group, British Land, Virgin Money, and the Northern Powerhouse.

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