Overview

• Government sources say a scope and funding announcement is expected before the 26 November Budget, with a green light targeted after the Labour Party conference.
• Ministers insist they remain fully committed to Northern Powerhouse Rail and say they are taking time to get it right.
• The scheme under review includes a new link from Liverpool to Manchester via Manchester Airport, with connections through to Leeds and Hull.
• Whitehall is reassessing costs and delivery options after think‑tank criticism of the proposed Liverpool–Manchester line and calls from Reform UK to scrap the project.
• The Liberal Democrats urge the government to publish details without further delay, as officials weigh how to use funds set aside when HS2 north of Birmingham was cancelled.