Sunak Stands Firm on HS2 Amid Criticism From Former Prime Ministers

The prime minister committed to a boost of £36 billion for northern infrastructure as he promised political change ahead of a general election.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak leaves Media City in Salford, Manchester, England, on Oct. 1, 2023. Stefan Rousseau/PA

Despite facing criticism from his predecessors in Number 10, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has refused to apologise for the cancellation of the northern leg of HS2.

The prime minister’s decision to scrap HS2 from Birmingham to Manchester ignited a wave of disapproval, with both former Tory Prime Ministers David Cameron and Boris Johnson expressing concerns about the direction of the country.