A letter to the PM says the Manchester leg of the project is 'fundamental to the economic future of the whole of the country'
Top businesses and institutions from across the north west have joined forces to write to Rishi Sunak to urge him not to cancel the Manchester leg of HS2.
The Prime Minister, who remains in Manchester today for the Conservative party conference, could use his set-piece speech on Wednesday to announce the decision. There are reports he will say the money that would have been spent on HS2 will instead be diverted to other projects for the north. "As businesses with a deep interest in the long-term future of Manchester and the UK as a whole we urge you not to cancel HS2. It would be a major act of economic self-sabotage and damage our international standing as a place to do business. We recognise the challenge of controlling costs, and like others from business organisations across the country stand ready to work with you to address this issue.
"Creating additional capacity on the major rail arteries in and out of London is essential if we are to keep the economy moving. Connections to London as a major global capital is essential for many of our businesses and for London the ability to access markets in the north and midlands is just as important.
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