Sunak's Decision to Scrap HS2 North Sparks Backlash, Seen as Attempt to Salt the Earth

Sunak cancelled the northern leg of HS2 and authorized the sale of properties subject to compulsory purchase orders, making it very difficult to revive the project.

Labour leaders feel blindsided by the decision and are trying to determine its implications. Selling the land was unexpected.

The decision to sell the land is seen as spiteful and "salting the earth" to hinder Labour from restarting HS2 to Manchester.

The Liverpool city region mayor says Sunak has "killed HS2 stone dead" and tied the hands of any future government trying to deliver HS2 north.

Sunak defends scrapping HS2's northern leg, saying costs have doubled and passenger behavior has changed, eroding the economic case. He denies it's just a London-Birmingham shuttle.