NIGHTMAYOR

Pulling plug on HS2 a 'disaster' for North, say 5 city leaders as they seek summit with PM

- LUCY THORNTON

FIVE Labour mayors have joined forces to tell the Prime Minister derailing the northern part of the HS2 would be "madness" and a "disaster" for the nation.

The angered and frustrated leaders said Rishi Sunak's anticipated scaling back of the high speed link would be a massive betrayal and the death of levelling up for the North.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan joined four northern mayors in Leeds to call for a meeting with the PM "to discuss the future of HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail before any decision is made".

Work on the HS2 from West London to Birmingham is underway but is facing delays and "spiralling costs."

The planned eastern leg between East Midlands and Leeds was axed in 2021. Now the Birmingham to Manchester link may be cancelled.

In a joint Mayoral statement, they said: "Over recent days we have been inundated by concern from businesses across our regions about the economic damage that will result from any decision not to proceed with HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail in full." Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said he was profoundly frustrated the Government thinks they can rip up their promises.