Multiple news outlets are reporting the Northern section of HS2 Birmingham to Manchester, via Staffordshire, is definitely being scrapped.

Speculation was growing last week that the Conservatives were planning to scrap phase two of HS2, to save up to £34 billion as costs soar.

Phase 2a was planned to connect the West Midlands to Crewe.

Phase 2b west was planned to connect Crewe with Manchester, with phase 2b east connecting the West Midlands with East Midlands Parkway.

ITV News and Sky News are both running stories saying the northern section of the project has been shelved.

ITV News say instead Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, has decided to allocate the money ringfenced for the project to other transport projects in the north.

They allege the HS2 money would be used to repair Britain's road network and boost connectivity between northern town and cities with Northern Powerhouse Rail.

Sky News said it understood the Department of Transport had worked up a package of alternative projects - rail, bus and road - which would be funded from the money saved.

HS2 has suffered from delays and spiralling costs, as well as widespread criticism on the effects the project would have on existing services. 

The first part of HS2, between West London and Birmingham, is already being constructed and will be completed.

HS2 phase 2a's opening date had already been pushed back from 2033 to between 2035 and 2041.

READ MORE: Demolition work starts on five former sheltered housing sites in Stoke-on-Trent

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