The news follows weeks of speculation and backlash<\/a> over reports that the government was looking to axe the HS2 Manchester leg to cut costs.<\/p>\n Notably, transport minister Mark Harper did not respond to multiple questions on the future of HS2 in his speech at the Conservative Party Conference earlier this morning.<\/p>\n Reports indicate that the funding for the HS2 Manchester leg<\/a> will be re-allocated to other transport projects in the north.<\/p>\n The HS2 Manchester shelving was apparently confirmed to multiple political editors, such as Robert Peston, Beth Rigby and Sam Coates early this morning on the first day of the Conservative Party Conference.<\/p>\n I am told the PM has now taken the decision to shelve the Manchester leg of HS2. Confirmation, and detail of the re-allocation of funds to other transport projects in the north, will presumably come very soon. https:\/\/t.co\/6uyamo8A4W<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Robert Peston (@Peston) October 2, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n