HS2 might not run to central London despite Rishi Sunak’s Euston pledge – as huge catch revealed

HS2 might NOT run to central London after it was revealed Rishi Sunak’s conference pledge relies on unconfirmed private cash.

Just yesterday the PM promised that the line would run from Birmingham to a new station at Euston.

Alamy

The HS2 rail line might not reach central London if there is no private sector cash[/caption]

But it is now understood this will only happen with private funds – with no government money earmarked if firms fail to stump up.

It would mean the high-speed rail line would stop at Old Oak Common miles away from the city centre.

After scrapping the Birmingham-Manchester leg at Tory conference only yesterday, Mr Sunak vowed to keep the Euston terminus.

He said: “Given how far along construction is, we will complete the line from Birmingham to Euston.”

The PM announced plans for a “Euston development zone” with “a station that delivers the capacity we need”. 

However the Sun understands this just an aspiration – rather than cast-iron pledge – that hinges on billions of private sector funds.

It is therefore possible that Euston just becomes a regeneration project but without a station.

Yesterday Mr Sunak unveiled a major £36 billion “Network North” transport scheme to improve rail and road travel has been unveiled in a huge boost for travellers.

Mr Sunak scrapped the costly HS2 link between Birmingham and Manchester to pay for the plans which include fixing the pothole blight.

The money saved from killing off the high speed rail leg will fund an east-west rail link as well as a tram network in Leeds.

Motorists will benefit from 70 major upgrades including improvements to the M6 motorway and the A1 as well as resurfacing roads across the country.

The PM said the economic case for the HS2 northern line has “massively weakened” with changes to business travel post-Covid.