The prevarication over HS2 has gone on long enough and the Government must now show its hand and provide clarity on the future of high speed rail across the region.

People in the North should not be taken for fools. If the Government’s idea is to ensure any chance of HS2’s Western leg being revived dies in the long grass without people noticing then it is wrong.

The alternative to the betrayal of the previous government on HS2 is on the table and if regional mayors believe they can make it work with private funding then the plans should be given every chance.

That means the legal protections that would enable Phase 2a of HS2 to go ahead should be extended. However, time is running out and the Government must act fast.

An aerial view of HS2’s Lawley Middleway Bridgebeing moved into place over Birmingham’s main ring road. PIC: Phil Barnett/PA Wire

placeholder image — An aerial view of HS2’s Lawley Middleway Bridgebeing moved into place over Birmingham’s main ring road. PIC: Phil Barnett/PA Wire

If it fails to do so, then Labour will share in the blame for the betrayal that the North has to suffer.

As it stands, ending HS2 at Birmingham makes little sense. It does not deliver on the stated objectives of HS2 when plans were initially conceived. HS2 was about transforming the North’s economy, not just adding faster trains between London and Birmingham. The country will rue the failure to grasp the opportunity that is in front of us.

It is also worth remembering that HS2 was supposed to be just one part of the jigsaw. Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) was meant to connect to it. Bring the whole puzzle together.

Even on NPR the public has been greeted with constantly delayed announcements. No one knows why that is the case. The Government has had ample time to ensure that mistakes are not repeated and for it to put forth plans that will finally deliver for the North.

This has dragged on long enough. Now is the time for the Government to unequivocally back the North.