The rail unions have called for an emergency summit so that stakeholders can discuss the implications of axeing HS2 north of Birmingham, but the Prime Minister is continuing to avoid answering direct questions about the fate of Phases 2A and 2B between Birmingham and Manchester, saying only that his government is making sure that ‘we get value for money’. Speculation is continuing that Rishi Sunak is poised to reveal that the sections to Crewe and Manchester will be axed. This has been accompanied by warnings from Chancellor Jeremy Hunt that tax cuts are unlikely this year. In response to criticism of the effects of scrapping HS2 beyond Birmingham, the Prime Minister told the BBC that Leeds is being ‘treated like London’. He continued: ‘London has always got this multi-year settlement so they can plan how to invest in their area. That's now happening to cities across the North.’ The Conservative Party conference starts in Manchester on Sunday.
Rail Delivery Group warns of more strike disruption
The Rail Delivery Group is warning that strikes by ASLEF drivers tomorrow and on Wednesday of next week will restrict train services in England, which at best will run only between 07.30 and 18.30. It added that some operators will have no services at all. An overtime ban by ASLEF is also affecting services between today and 6 October, and it is likely that evening services on some lines will be affected on the days before each strike. Morning services may also be disrupted on 1 and 5 October because many trains will be out of position. The RDG added: ‘We want to resolve this dispute and are acutely aware of the damaging impact it's having on our passengers.’ ASLEF said: ‘Train drivers haven't had a pay increase since 2019. We are seeking a fair pay deal for our members who have been experiencing real terms pay cuts whilst private operators and rolling stock companies have continued to pay out dividends to their shareholders, extracting profits from the railways.’ London Underground also faces strikes on 4 and 6 October, in the continuing dispute between the RMT and Transport for London over job security. TfL has warned of ‘severe disruption’ on both strike days, and said problems could continue into the following mornings.
Ebbw Vale upgrade reaches final stage
Buses will replace trains on the Ebbw Vale line in south Wales tomorrow and on Sunday, as work on a £70 million upgrade enters its final stage. Track will be laid at Newbridge station and Cross Keys over the weekend. The line will also be closed from 15 November to 3 December, to allow the project to be completed. Transport for Wales trains will start running from Ebbw Vale Town to Newport in December, in addition to the existing services to Cardiff Central.