HS2 extension to Leeds could be mothballed as rail review published next week

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A long-awaited plan for railways in the Midlands and north of England will be published next week that could see the eastern extension of HS2 from Birmingham to Leeds mothballed.

Regional political leaders are anticipating publication of the government’s integrated rail review for the Midlands and north imminently, with many braced for delays to key rail improvements.

The most high-profile casualty is expected to be the planned eastern extension of HS2 linking Birmingham to Leeds, likely to be delayed indefinitely because of Treasury concerns over cost.

If confirmed it will be the latest blow to the hugely controversial HS2 project, less than two years since Boris Johnson gave the green light for the scheme despite opposition from Conservative MPs and some of his own advisors.

Decisions will also be announced on whether to proceed immediately with a new trans-Pennine rail line linking Manchester and Leeds, the centrepiece of the long-planned Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) project.

The new east-west line is seen as central to improving connectivity in the north of England, and regional leaders say it is central to delivering the prime minister’s “levelling up agenda”, intended to spread economic benefits beyond the south of England.

Ministers may opt to delay the new route and instead continue only with upgrades to existing lines, a move likely to draw criticism.

New stations in Leeds and Bradford may also be approved even if the new east-west line does not receive backing, along with a new tram network.

A new station in Manchester, intended to integrate the already-approved western arm of HS2 and NPR, is also expected to be confirmed.