Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said he will reinstate the northern leg of HS2 if he becomes prime minister.

The northern leg of HS2 – which was originally designated as Phase 2 – was the planned extension of the UK’s high-speed rail network beyond the West Midlands to connect major cities in the North of England.

It was further divided into two main sections: Phase 2a, connecting Birmingham to Crewe, and Phase 2b, which was intended to reach Manchester and Leeds.

In October 2023, former prime minister Rishi Sunak cancelled the remaining northern sections, including the line to Manchester, citing soaring costs that increased from an original budget of £56bn, to an estimated £100bn

The current Labour government has confirmed it will not revive the original HS2 northern legs.

However, in an interview with the i, Burnham said he “would revive HS2” between Birmingham and Manchester, if he returns to Westminster and becomes the prime minister.

The Labour candidate for the Makerfield by-election said he would fund the project with a Cross Rail-style funding package.

This is a complex, multi-source financing model where the costs of a major infrastructure project are shared between central government, local authorities and the private sector, specifically through taxes on property development and business rate supplements.

The model is designed to ensure that those who benefit most from the new infrastructure, such as property owners and businesses near the route, contribute directly to its capital costs

Burnham’s comments have been welcomed by High Speed Rail Group chair Huw Merriman who said: “It is very encouraging to hear Andy Burnham continuing to advocate for a new railway between Birmingham and Manchester, a priority that has rightly remained on the government’s agenda.

“The need for the route is no less pressing today than when HS2 was first announced.”

He added: “A new connection between Birmingham and Manchester will add transport capacity to and from the North, while also helping to deliver the Government’s ambition of a more balanced UK economy.

“To maximise those benefits, planning for the next phase should begin in good time, as experience shows that successful infrastructure projects are built on long term planning and certainty.

“HS2 was never intended to be a standalone railway. Its greatest value will be realised as part of a wider national network, connecting cities, unlocking capacity for passengers and freight, and supporting growth across the country.”

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