Reform 'would scrap' high-speed northern rail line

"A Reform UK government would scrap plans to build the Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) link, its deputy leader has said. In a report to the right-leaning Policy Exchange think tank, Richard Tice said companies considering bidding for contracts to build east-to-west high-speed rail links should "not bother". Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham rejected Tice's comments and suggested Reform UK wanted a "second-class railway" for the north of England."

"The Policy Exchange report proposed a set of alternative schemes, including a Manchester version of London's Elizabeth Line. It predicted NPR would be an "even greater train crash" than HS2, as a new line between Liverpool and Manchester could cost 30bn. Researchers warned journeys between the cities on this line would take one minute longer than the fastest current services - which are 34 minutes - because it would also serve Manchester Airport."

"Tice said a Reform UK government would "spend the money instead on things the country needs more". Citing the "billions in overspending" related to HS2, he described the government's expected commitment to more high-speed rail links as "insanity". Policy Exchange claimed the "crisis in HS2 is even worse than ministers admit", as the "true cost" for the line between London and Birmingham is "up to 22%" higher than the amount declared to Parliament."

Reform UK plans to cancel the Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) east–west high-speed link and reallocate funds to other national priorities. The proposal advises companies to avoid bidding for NPR contracts and criticizes further high-speed rail spending after alleged HS2 overspends. A Policy Exchange alternative package includes a Manchester version of London's Elizabeth Line and other local schemes. The report warns that a Liverpool–Manchester line could cost £30bn and offer journey times one minute slower than the fastest current services due to serving Manchester Airport. The report also claims HS2 cost estimates for London–Birmingham are up to 22% understated.

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