Quote Originally Posted by Rjk View Post
I can't see this playing out well for the government, they made a big fuss about the "northern powerhouse". This is an open goal for Labour surely?
I want to see HS2 to Leeds (and beyond) and the promised new trans-Pennine track - but the breaking of multiple promises by Johnson and the government is no surprise. The reaction from the regional press (especially Manchester, Sheffield and Newcastle) and northern politicians and business reps has been vitriolic. But the loudest noise has come from the big Labour cities.

I'm not sure how the 'betrayal' line is going to play in the new 'Blue Wall' seats where the benefits of HS2 would have been more remote. It doesn't help that Starmer was and HS2 sceptic (north London seat - all pain and no gain) but has now discovered the case for it, a bit too late.

More 'broken promises' and the appearance of Tory disarray may have a longer term effect on Tory support than the specifics of the HS2 cancellation and merits or otherwise of the alternative plans they are cobbling together.