Network North risks being 'fake network to nowhere', claims Labour

The new rail plan set to replace scrapped HS2 is 'not worth the paper it’s written on' as it is based on out of date numbers, Labour MPs have warned.

Members of the opposition have said plans to use £36 billion of savings from scrapping sections of HS2 are based on 2019 prices, and leave the scheme at risk of being a 'fag end fake network to nowhere'. They also suggested there could have been an “outrageous” breach of the Ministerial Code if the “true cost” of HS2 was hidden from Parliament.

It comes after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said Network North included a 'range of illustrative projects that could be funded' but it would be for local leaders to decide how the money is spent.

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Labour MP Chi Onwurah told transport questions in the Commons the Government’s mishandling of HS2 'was and is absolutely staggering'.

She added: “But the Government’s attempt to pull the wool over northern eyes with Network North is a farce. Does he really believe the people of the North East are falling for his fag end fake network to nowhere?”

Rail minister Huw Merriman replied: “I just don’t accept that at all. I gave a run-through of the £36 billion that is being put back into local projects, including £1.8 billion extra for the North East."

Shadow transport minister Mike Kane earlier said of Network North: “This dodgy-sounding 1970s ITV TV franchise doesn’t have a single project with an approved business case and plans are valued at 2019 prices.”

He added: “It is literally not worth the paper it is written on minister, is it?”

Mr Merriman replied: “It most