Outrage as Grayling admits HS2 in North may be binned

TRANSPORT Secretary Chris Grayling has sparked fury by admitting he may ditch the Northern section of HS2.

Mounting costs could mean highspeed trains will go no further than Birmingham, with extensions to Manchester and Leeds binned.

The Tories had committed to building the Northern extension but Mr Grayling has reportedly told a rail industry conference the FAILURES Chris Grayling second phase is “not in the bag”. Insisting the industry must make the case for it, he added: “It still needs support if it is to definitely go to Leeds.” Lib Dem Baroness Randerson said the Tories are “dragging prosperity from the North rather than increasing it”. She added: “This is another line on Grayling’s CV of failure.” The route from London to Birmingham is due to open in 2026. Legislation has yet to be passed for the extensions.