Ministers have been urged by a business organisation to 鈥減ut an end to any lingering uncertainty鈥 over sections of the HS2 line in the North and the Midlands.
CBI chief policy director Matthew Fell claimed the high-speed rail project is 鈥渢oo important鈥 to be downgraded, as has been heavily rumoured in recent weeks.
There is growing speculation that plans for the eastern leg between Birmingham and Leeds could be mothballed due to Treasury concerns over costs, prompting protests from political and business leaders.
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Mr Fell said: 鈥淐ontinued speculation about the future of HS2 鈥 which undermines confidence and investment decisions 鈥 is therefore both unwelcome and damaging.
鈥淕overnment should put an end to any lingering uncertainty by reaffirming its commitment to delivering HS2, on time and in full, as a foundation stone for an equitable and sustainable future 海角视频 economy.鈥
The Government-commissioned Oakervee Review warned in 2018 that the final bill for the entire Y-shaped network of HS2 could reach 拢106bn.
Existing plans involve phase 1 running between London and Birmingham, phase 2a between Birmingham and Crewe, and phase 2b between Crewe and Manchester, and between Birmingham and Leeds.
Mr Fell continued: 鈥淗S2 is a project that levels up 鈥 a cornerstone of Government and business ambitions. It鈥檚 too important a project to downgrade to HS1.5.
鈥淭he HS2 network will connect eight of the nation鈥檚 10 biggest cities, creating jobs, opportunity and prosperity throughout the country.
鈥淩eductions in road emissions and congestion will benefit the environment, and improved transport links can forge new collaborations between businesses, cities and regions.鈥
The Government will outline its intentions for HS2 in its delayed Integrated Rail Plan, now due to be published in the autumn.
A Department for Transport spokeswoman said: 鈥淭he Integrated Rail Plan will soon outline exactly how major rail projects, including HS2 phase 2b and other transformational projects such as Northern Powerhouse Rail, will work together to deliver the reliable train services that passengers across the North and Midlands need and deserve.鈥
