Will the King of the North’s HS2 plan hit the buffers? Andy Burnham wants to resurrect Manchester link with slower trains despite £60billion cost as critics blast ‘fantasy scheme’
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is reportedly seeking to revive the cancelled northern section of HS2 to Manchester, using slower trains and a revised route. The proposal matters because it reopens the debate over rail capacity, regional connectivity and whether northern England can receive the infrastructure benefits originally promised by HS2.
The plan is said to carry a potential cost of about £60 billion, despite being designed around slower services than the original high-speed scheme. Critics have described it as unrealistic or a “fantasy scheme”, reflecting concern about affordability after the Government cancelled HS2’s route north of Birmingham.
- Burnham reportedly wants HS2’s Manchester link revived.
- The revised scheme could cost around £60 billion.
- Critics question whether the proposal is affordable or realistic.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters argue that restoring a Manchester rail link is essential to correct a long-standing imbalance in national infrastructure investment and to give northern cities the capacity needed for future growth. Even if trains run more slowly than the original HS2 design, a new dedicated route could relieve overcrowded existing lines, improve reliability and create stronger connections between Manchester, Birmingham and London. They see the large cost as a strategic, multi-generational investment whose benefits should be assessed against lost productivity, regional opportunity and pressure on the current network.
The case against
Critics argue that a scheme approaching £60 billion risks repeating HS2’s problems of escalating costs, uncertain delivery and weak value for taxpayers. They contend that a slower line may not deliver enough journey-time savings or economic benefit to justify building an entirely new railway, particularly when cheaper upgrades to existing routes and local transport could help more passengers sooner. Their concern is that reopening an axed project without a clearly affordable, credible plan would divert scarce public funds from more immediate priorities.