HS2: Keir Starmer says Boris Johnson has ‘let down everyone in the north'

Keir Starmer has accused the prime minister of “letting down everyone in the north” after his government announced it was axing a promised high-speed railway between Manchester and Leeds, as well as the eastern leg of the HS2.

Speaking to reporters from a Bradford rail station, the Labour leader accused Boris Johnson of “failing [his] first test of levelling up” and warned the public they “can’t believe a word the prime minister says”.

Mr Johnson has insisted it is “total rubbish” to suggest he has broken pledges made on rail connections.

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