Transport Secretary refuses to commit to HS2 Manchester leg as pressure builds on PM to ‘finish the job’

Transport Secretary refuses to commit to HS2 Manchester leg as pressure builds on PM to ‘finish the job’

T

ransport Secretary Mark Harper said he would not comment on “speculation” about HS2’s Manchester leg facing the chop as senior Conservatives continue to urge ministers to “finish the job”.

During a morning round of broadcast interviews, Mr Harper followed the Prime Minister’s lead in refusing to be drawn on suggestions the Birmingham to Manchester leg of the high speed rail route could be axed due to cost concerns.