Chain stop . Number 10 does the buck stop . Where does the chain stop . Number10 downing street, some people are saying. Are we now an international laughing stock. A symbol of our decline, broken britain, strong was coming in condemnation. But what do you say . Get in touch and tell us. I look forward to talking to you. Do get in touch and you can call or text us. Defence secretary grant shapps says this could create a Fantastic Levelling Opportunity from diverting funding to other projects. Rishi sunak� s expected to announce in his Party Conference speech today that the birmingham to Manchester Leg of the rail line will be scrapped, while setting out plans for other transport projects in the north of england and wales. Officials in venice say at least 21 people, including two children, were killed when a bus fell off a bridge onto a railway line and caught fire. The governor of the venice region has described the crash as a tragedy of enormous proportions. Large parts of britains rail network will have no service today, because of another 24 hour strike by train drivers. Its part of an ongoing dispute over pay and conditions. And tesco� s reported a big jump in profits for the first half of this year as food prices started to come down. The Supermarket Chain said its doing everything it can to lower prices for customers. Theres actually cross party on this. Never mind the politicians, how are you feeling about it . Andy burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester is absolutely livid, as is the conservative West Midlands mayor andy street, who is said to be devastated by this decision. This is the Conservative Mp and deputy chair lee anderson, a man who sometimes courts controversy, but he said something that will chime in with a lot of people on one side of the argument. He argued that bus services in the north of england are more important than hs2. He said, what good is it, that little old lady looking through the Bungalow Window at the chain going through at 120 mph, a change will never get on because she never goes to london or manchester, or whatever, because she never goes to london or manchester, orwhatever, but she cant even get from her village to the next village for a doctors appointment or to see a friend. What appointment or to see a friend. What a load of nonsense, we need to get our buses and regional connectivity sorted before we think about hs2. It is kind of Direction Of Travel of the government, reallocating the money into infrastructure, but infrastructure that will be in place a lot sina and that will make a lot more difference to the People Living and working there and act sooner. What does this say about our country. Sasha lourdesjoins us what does this say about our country. Sasha lourdes joins us this morning. Good morning. And chair of the stop Hs2 Campaignjoins us, too. Penny gains. We kind of knew it was coming. He will say it in his speech today. How are you feeling about it . Well, we are really hopeful at the moment, well, we are really hopeful at the moment, but obviously we are waiting like everybody else for the actual speech like everybody else for the actual speech to like everybody else for the actual speech to come. The thing is, this is death speech to come. The thing is, this is death by speech to come. The thing is, this is death by 1000 cuts. They have already is death by 1000 cuts. They have already cut is death by 1000 cuts. They have already cut the east legs to leeds. They are already cut the east legs to leeds. They are pausing houston. They dmpped they are pausing houston. They dropped the link to heathrow a long time ago dropped the link to heathrow a long time ago. We think they ought to pull the time ago. We think they ought to pull the plug and just cancel hsz time ago. We think they ought to pull the plug and just cancel h52 in its entirety. The Infrastructure Project its entirety. The Infrastructure Project authority a few weeks ago announced that hsz is at red rating which announced that hsz is at red rating which means it is unachievable. There which means it is unachievable. There is which means it is unachievable. There is the same arguments we have always there is the same arguments we have always said. There is the same arguments we have always said, there is no Business Case always said, there is no Business Case because hsz was always around the idea case because hsz was always around the idea if case because hsz was always around the idea if you could get to meetings in london faster, that would meetings in london faster, that would somehow magically turn into an economic would somehow magically turn into an economic benefit to the country. There economic benefit to the country. There is economic benefit to the country. There is no economic benefit to the country. There is no carbon based case because there is no carbon based case because hsz s own figures has at once because hsz s own figures has at once it because hsz s own figures has at once it is because hsz s own figures has at once it is running it will be 120 years once it is running it will be 120 years before it becomes Carbon Heutrat years before it becomes carbon neutral. And as we have seen, there is no neutral. And as we have seen, there is no money neutral. And as we have seen, there is no money to pay for it. And the cost is no money to pay for it. And the cost is is no money to pay for it. And the cost isjust is no money to pay for it. And the cost isjust going up and up. So we think cost isjust going up and up. So we think hsz cost isjust going up and up. So we think hsz ought to be scrapped in its entirety, but if Theyjust Scrap the leg its entirety, but if Theyjust Scrap the leg they are talking about today, the leg they are talking about today, thats good news for us. What is behind this today, thats good news for us. What is behind this for today, thats good news for us. What is behind this for you . Today, thats good news for us. Twist is behind this for you . What is today, thats good news for us. Ltdisgt is behind this for you . What is the most important argument against it . Is it business, is it practicality, is it connectivity, is that the environment . What is driving you . Me personally, i said from the start that the personally, i said from the start that the alternative to more travel for business and that supper thing is video for business and that supper thing is Video Conferencing. We to say that there is Video Conferencing. We to say that there were children in school using that there were children in school using Video Conferencing to talk to pupils using Video Conferencing to talk to pupils irr using Video Conferencing to talk to pupils in schools abroad, and when they went pupils in schools abroad, and when they went into work and were in charge they went into work and were in charge of they went into work and were in charge of businesses and so on, they would charge of businesses and so on, they would be charge of businesses and so on, they would be doing more Video Conferencing and using digital technology. But as we have found over the technology. But as we have found over the last few years with the pandemic, everyone knows how to use zoom pandemic, everyone knows how to use zoom or pandemic, everyone knows how to use zoom or digital technologies. Everyone is used to Video Conferencing, so a change that we thought conferencing, so a change that we thought was going to take a decade or two. Thought was going to take a decade or two. It thought was going to take a decade or two, it took a few weeks. We really or two, it took a few weeks. We really think or two, it took a few weeks. We really think that is the future. More really think that is the future. More digital technologies. Sasha lord, the world has changed. How are you feeling this Morning Question might night time adviser for Greater Manchester. Haifa might nighttime adviser for Greater Manchester. ,. , might nighttime adviser for Greater Manchester. ,. , might nighttime adviser for Greater Manchester manchester. How significant is this decision . I think manchester. How significant is this decision . I think this manchester. How significant is this decision . I think this is manchester. How significant is this decision . I think this is the decision . I think this is the biggest two fingers up to the north that i have seen in my lifetime, if i am being honest. That i have seen in my lifetime, if iam being honest. I that i have seen in my lifetime, if i am being honest. I cannot understand for the life of me why decisions are being made in hotel rooms when they have not engaged with any of the males of the north, andy burnham, steve rotherham, and so on. Mayers. The irony is not lost on me that the speech is going to be made today from a disused Train Station when the uk is on a day of training strikes. I do agree with lee anderson on the point about buses. If he looks out of his window, he will see that andy burnham has taken the decision to take buses back under public control in Greater Manchester to give those people much Better Services at reduced fares. But this is a very, very bad day, notjust for Greater Manchester, for the north. A few statistics, these are government stats. It would have been worth £9 billion to Greater Manchester stop £24 billion. That is every year, by the way. £24 billion. That is every year, by the wa. ,. , , £24 billion. That is every year, by thewa. , the way. Everyone is Ust Plucking Fiuures the way. Everyone is ust plucking figures out the way. Everyone is ust plucking figures out of h the way. Everyone is ust plucking figures out of the the way. Everyone Isjust Plucking figures out of the air. The way. Everyone Isjust Plucking figures out of the air. These the way. Everyone Isjust Plucking figures out of the air. These are i figures out of the air. These are Government Figures out of the air. These are Government Figures. Figures out of the air. These are Government Figures. Creating i figures out of the air. These are Government Figures. Creating 96,000 jobs, improving capacity and connectivity. What i would say for the business arguments, and i do have a couple of successful businesses in manchester, you cap and spread the cost over several years, and that would easily pay for itself in 6 7 years time. Tiara itself in 67 years time. Two finders itself in 67 years time. Two fingers on itself in 67 years time. Two fingers on to itself in 67 years time. Two fingers up to the itself in 67 years time. Two fingers up to the north. Itself in 67 years time. Two i fingers up to the north. Penny . Itself in 67 years time. Two fingers up to the north. Penny . Yes, it is about optics fingers up to the north. Penny . Yes, it is about optics for fingers up to the north. Penny . Yes, it is about optics for rishi fingers up to the north. Penny . Yes, it is about optics for rishi sunak, it is about optics for rishi sunak, but what it is about optics for rishi sunak, but what we have said. Is it is about optics for rishi sunak, but what we have said. But what we have said. Is it . Lets plug but what we have said. Is it . Lets plug another but what we have said. Is it . Lets plug another figure, but what we have said. Is it . Lets plug another figure, who| lets plug anotherfigure, who knows, £36 billion and he is going to reinvest it in projects that are much closer to the here and now, and will have much more impact on the practicality of peoples daily lives. Why is that bad optics . Practicality of peoples daily lives. Why is that bad optics . Well, that is aood why is that bad optics . Well, that is good optics. Why is that bad optics . Well, that is good optics, and why is that bad optics . Well, that is good optics, and that why is that bad optics . Well, that is good optics, and that was why is that bad optics . Well, that. Is good optics, and that was always the alternative to hsz. The alternative that was originally suggested was a package of a Railway Project suggested was a package of a Railway Project that would bring more benefits project that would bring more benefits to more people more quickly, benefits to more people more quickly, and the other advantage of doing quickly, and the other advantage of doing a quickly, and the other advantage of doing a package of projects is you can adapt doing a package of projects is you can adapt what you are doing. You can adapt what you are doing. You can say, can adapt what you are doing. You can say, we can adapt what you are doing. You can say, we are doing this, this and this, can say, we are doing this, this and this, and can say, we are doing this, this and this, and then we were going to do that and this, and then we were going to do that and that, but it turns out some of the that and that, but it turns out some of the project is a much better way forward of the project is a much better way forward. The thing we have seen with hsz, it forward. The thing we have seen with hsz, it was forward. The thing we have seen with hsz, it was introduced in 2010 under the last hsz, it was introduced in 2010 under the last Labour Government and you still cant the last Labour Government and you still cant catch an hsz chain and you wont still cant catch an hsz chain and you wont be able to until, at the very you wont be able to until, at the very earliest, 2029. It has been so lon very earliest, 2029. It has been so long and very earliest, 2029. It has been so long and there still arent any benefits long and there still arent any benefits to ordinary people. So a Package Benefits to ordinary people. So a package of projects. Things like catching package of projects. Things like catching a bus to the next village. Manchester is like other cities and it has manchester is like other cities and it has really good other Transport Links it has really good other Transport Links. �. It has really good other Transport Links. ,. ,. , it has really good other Transport Links. ,. ,. ,. , links. And what about that customer can ou links. And what about that customer can you have links. And what about that customer can you have both . Links. And what about that customer can you have both . Trans links. And what about that customer can you have both . Trans penninel can you have both . Trans pennine and Northern Rail have not covered themselves in glory in recent years and people complaining. Are people in leeds getting to manchester, people in manchester getting to liverpool, people in liverpool getting to leeds, some people might use quite a strong word, and here is another one it is a farce. Can you make all those along improvements in the north of england and have hs2 . I the north of england and have hsz . I think you can. If there is a conversation about london, then they would certainly have it. I conversation about london, then they would certainly have it. Would certainly have it. I have been heafina would certainly have it. I have been hearing this would certainly have it. I have been hearing this all would certainly have it. I have been hearing this all the would certainly have it. I have been hearing this all the time. Would certainly have it. I have been hearing this all the time. Give hearing this all the time. Give me an example where they have been lavishing money on london. 680 william pounds lavishing money on london. S3di william pounds on lavishing money on london. E3did william pounds on the lavishing money on london. 53did william pounds on the bond street line. Thats fine if you go to birmingham. We would not have budgets like that here in the north. By budgets like that here in the north. By the way, i dont disagree with everything that penny is saying, but i think the Comms Director for the tories should be sacked. Why would you drip feed Something Like this customer also in manchester, leading up customer also in manchester, leading up to the tory conference it is the only topic that anyone has actually spoken about. When you look at Manchester Airport, that at the moment is building a huge Manchester Airport village that is going to create tens and Tens Of Thousands of jobs with the hs2 stop. Create tens and Tens Of Thousands of jobs with the hs2 stop. Jobs with the hs2 stop. There was auoin to jobs with the hs2 stop. There was going to be jobs with the hs2 stop. There was going to be a jobs with the hs2 stop. There was going to be a tunnel jobs with the hs2 stop. There was going to be a tunnel going jobs with the hs2 stop. There was going to be a tunnel going into going to be a tunnel going into Manchester Airport as well. There was, and Manchester Airport as well. There was. And l Manchester Airport as well. There was. And i am Manchester Airport as well. There was, and i am sat Manchester Airport as well. There was, and i am sat five Manchester Airport as well. There was, and i am sat five minutes i Manchester Airport as well. There i was, and i am sat five minutes away from there and i was welcoming it. At another point by penny, i have to touch on the subject of zoom and teams. It is not healthy. It is killing businesses, people staying at home. You look at some places in london now, those sandwich shops, those pubs after work, they are being decimated. I would encourage people to actually get back into the office. ,. ,. , office. Loads of callers are waiting office. Loads of callers are waiting 0n office. Loads of callers are waiting. On the office. Loads of callers are waiting. On the platform. | office. Loads of callers are waiting. On the platform. Here we waiting. 0n the platform. Here we go. Lisa, tom, sylvia. Tom, what do you think . Hi, everyone. Welcome. What do you think, tom, about what sasha was saying. Sasha had a strong phrase. This is putting two fingers up phrase. This is putting two fingers up to the north of england. Is it not doing that, tom . Up to the north of england. Is it not doing that, tom . Good morning. Not for one not doing that, tom . Good morning. Not for one moment not doing that, tom . Good morning. Not for one moment i not doing that, tom . Good morning. Not for one moment i think not doing that, tom . Good morning. Not for one moment i think it not doing that, tom . Good morning. Not for one moment i think it is not for one moment i think it is doing not for one moment i think it is doing that not for one moment i think it is doing that. No, i dont. The socalled doing that. No, i dont. The so called benefits for the north of england so called benefits for the north of england have been massively overblown, and i do think the original overblown, and i do think the original Business Case for hsz was always original Business Case for hsz was always a original Business Case for hsz was always a work of fiction. I think you touched on that earlier, nick, when you touched on that earlier, nick, when you you touched on that earlier, nick, when you said they were just figures are plucked out of the ether. They are, are plucked out of the ether. They are. They are plucked out of the ether. They are, they are not genuine facts, they are, they are not genuine facts, they are are, they are not genuine facts, they are just hyperbole. I think that rishi they are just hyperbole. I think that rishi sunak should be congratulated on taking what is effectively a very bold decision, and this effectively a very bold decision, and this is effectively a very bold decision, and this is a decision which should have and this is a decision which should have beeri and this is a decision which should have been made by borisjohnson in february. Have been made by borisjohnson in february, february the 11th, 2020, when february, february the 11th, 2020, when he february, february the 11th, 2020, when he enthusiastically backed hsz, having when he enthusiastically backed hsz, having said at the hustings in birmingham that he was very equivocal about it and he thought it was a equivocal about it and he thought it was a very equivocal about it and he thought it was a very expensive project, and not necessarily a good use of taxpayers money. We not necessarily a good use of taxpayers money. Not necessarily a good use of taxa ers mone. ~. , taxpayers money. We heard yesterday from the covid taxpayers money. We heard yesterday from the covid inquiry, taxpayers money. We heard yesterday from the covid inquiry, he taxpayers money. We heard yesterday from the covid inquiry, he is taxpayers money. We heard yesterday from the covid inquiry, he is not taxpayers money. We heard yesterday from the covid inquiry, he is not a from the covid inquiry, he is not a man that has stayed on one Railway Track for long. He is all over the place, making one decision and then another decision. Patrick vallance made that point. That is a diversion. Sasha, your head was in your hands, speak to tom. Your hands, speak to tom. Tom, i think we found your hands, speak to tom. Tom, i think we found the your hands, speak to tom. Tom, i think we found the only your hands, speak to tom. Tom, i think we found the only person. Your hands, speak to tom. Tom, i l think we found the only person that will probably congratulate the Prime Minister on this day. But will probably congratulate the Prime Minister on this day. Minister on this day. But that is absolutely minister on this day. But that is absolutely not minister on this day. But that is absolutely not true. Minister on this day. But that is absolutely not true. For minister on this day. But that is absolutely not true. For the minister on this day. But that is. Absolutely not true. For the people sat here in absolutely not true. For the people sat here in the absolutely not true. For the people sat here in the north, that absolutely not true. For the people sat here in the north, that is sat here in the north, that is certainly what i am hearing. Ijust think it is ridiculous. It is embarrassing. I dont know if you have ever travelled in italy or germany and compare that to what we have here, it is embarrassing. It is broken britain, as you said before, nikki. We are completely outdated. I frequent london most weeks, and unfortunate if the train is on time. It is overcrowded, it is now more expensive to get the train down to london than a flight. And we need to drag ourselves, and this is 2023 and we are operating on victorian lines. Is this a National Embarrassment . I think it is. Compare us to other countries and then look at the transport facilities that we have got, it is ridiculous. Got, it is ridiculous. Nikki, i dont got, it is ridiculous. Nikki, i dontthink got, it is ridiculous. Nikki, i dont think it got, it is ridiculous. Nikki, i dont think it is got, it is ridiculous. Nikki, i dont think it is a got, it is ridiculous. Nikki, i dont think it is a national i dont think it is a National Embarrassment at all. Because if you were to embarrassment at all. Because if you were to do embarrassment at all. Because if you were to do A Embarrassment at all. Because if you were to do a consensus across the country. Were to do a consensus across the country. You were to do a consensus across the country, you would find unfailingly the consensus has always existed that this the consensus has always existed that this is the consensus has always existed that this is not a useful way of spending that this is not a useful way of spending taxpayers money. I know that sasha spending taxpayers money. I know that sasha has a self selecting consensus there because, of course, he is consensus there because, of course, he is speaking to people who may well directly affected, or supposedly affected, by the lack of h52. Supposedly affected, by the lack of h52~ but supposedly affected, by the lack of h52. But no one has ever shown to me hsz. But no one has ever shown to me how affordable hsz will be, if ever it was how affordable hsz will be, if ever it was built. And i dont think the tickets it was built. And i dont think the tickets would be affordable unless they were very heavily subsidised by they were very heavily subsidised by the taxpayer, so that is another drain the taxpayer, so that is another drain on the taxpayer, so that is another drain on the taxpayer. 0r the taxpayer, so that is another drain on the taxpayer. Or they were excessively drain on the taxpayer. Or they were excessively expensive, and so only a very. Excessively expensive, and so only a very. Very excessively expensive, and so only a very, very small cohort of people would very, very small cohort of people would be very, very small cohort of people would be able to use the railway anyway would be able to use the railway anyway i would be able to use the railway an a. , y , would be able to use the railway anyway 0k i would be able to use the railwayl anyway 0k lt anyway. I honestly think. Ok. It is a massive anyway. I honestly think. Ok. It is a massive use anyway. I honestly think. Ok. It is a massive use of anyway. I honestly think. Ok. It is a massive use of taxpayers anyway. I honestly think. Ok. It is a massive use of taxpayers money. You have is a massive use of taxpayers money. You have said is a massive use of taxpayers money. You have said that and in a very forthright way. Another text, the cancellation is a complete lack of ambition. It is neglecting the future. In 1959, japan started to build the equivalent rail system and it is fantastic. They are very proud of their railway system. We are 60 years behind. I was lucky to travel on that and it is extra ordinary. This is cancelling the future says ian. , this is cancelling the future says ian. ,. ,. ,. ,. , ian. Ian, good morning. Good morning ian. Ian, good morning. Good morning i ian. Ian, good morning. Good morning. I used ian. Ian, good morning. Good morning. I used to ian. Ian, good morning. Good morning. I used to work ian. Ian, good morning. Good morning. I used to work in. Ian. Ian, good morning. Good morning. I used to work in an j morning. I used to work in an International Bank in manchester and i used to have to go to london every two or three years, and i was really glad to get out of the place. I hated going south. We stopped going down south because it was so bad for parking and congestion and everything. Most of our life, i go on holiday north. I wouldnt dream of going south. On holiday north. I wouldnt dream of going south on holiday north. I wouldnt dream of going south. Everybody i know. But some people of going south. Everybody i know. But some people need of going south. Everybody i know. But some people need to of going south. Everybody i know. But some people need to go of going south. Everybody i know. But some people need to go south. | of going south. Everybody i know. I but some people need to go south. It is not that many. If you look at the Motorway System, the busiest Motorway System, the busiest Motorway System, the busiest Motorway System in the north is east to west. And north. So we need communication between yorkshire and the east coast more than we do going south. So the east coast more than we do going south,. , � , the east coast more than we do going south. � ,. , south. So thats where the money needs to be south. So thats where the money needs to be spent. South. So thats where the money needs to be spent. That south. So thats where the money needs to be spent. That is needs to be spent. That is practical. Lisa, ian says you need to have the money spent for practical purposes that will make a difference to peoples lives. Are you there, lisa . I difference to peoples lives. Are you there. Lisa . There, lisa . I am actually now. Sor ,i there, lisa . I am actually now. Sorry. I find there, lisa . I am actually now. Sorry. I find it there, lisa . I am actually now. Sorry, i find it difficult there, lisa . I am actually now. Sorry, i find it difficult to there, lisa . I am actually now. J sorry, i find it difficult to follow a lot sorry, i find it difficult to follow a lot of sorry, i find it difficult to follow a lot of people talking so ijust waited. A lot of people talking so i ust waited. ~. , a lot of people talking so i ust waited. ~ ,. ,. , a lot of people talking so i ust waited. ~ ,. , i. , waited. Well, i shall give you space and time. Waited. Well, i shall give you space and time and waited. Well, i shall give you space and time. And it waited. Well, i shall give you space and time. And it is waited. Well, i shall give you space and time. And it is safe waited. Well, i shall give you space and time. And it is safe space waited. Well, i shall give you space and time. And it is safe space as i and time. And it is safe space as well. And time. And it is safe space as well,. And time. And it is safe space as well, , and time. And it is safe space as well. , and time. And it is safe space as well. ,. Well. Safe space is good. Too much sace and well. Safe space is good. Too much space and l well. Safe space is good. Too much space and i think well. Safe space is good. Too much space and i think oh, well. Safe space is good. Too much space and i think oh, it well. Safe space is good. Too much space and i think oh, it has well. Safe space is good. Too much space and i think oh, it has gone i space and i think oh, it has gone all guieti space and i think oh, it has gone all quiet i space and i think oh, it has gone all quiet i was watching a blackbird in my garden having a bird bath. Blackbird in my garden having a bird bath. �. ,. , blackbird in my garden having a bird bath. �. ,. , bath. And there are a lot less trees as a result bath. And there are a lot less trees as a result of bath. And there are a lot less trees as a result of all bath. And there are a lot less trees as a result of all of bath. And there are a lot less trees as a result of all of this. Bath. And there are a lot less trees as a result of all of this. What bath. And there are a lot less trees as a result of all of this. What do i as a result of all of this. What do you think about this decision . Taste] you think about this decision . Well i sa build you think about this decision . Well i say build the you think about this decision . Well i say build the chain, build the train i say build the chain, build the train tracks. I would like the first ticket train tracks. I would like the first ticket and train tracks. I would like the first ticket and i train tracks. I would like the first ticket and i would like it to go from ticket and i would like it to go from london, and why stop at manchester . Lets go to scotland. I am a manchester . Lets go to scotland. I am a person manchester . Lets go to scotland. I am a person of vision, so its no good am a person of vision, so its no good talking to me about money. Build good talking to me about money. Build the good talking to me about money. Build the chain. Have a vision, have a supersonic build the chain. Have a vision, have a supersonic engine thing like the chamlet a supersonic engine thing like the channel tunnel. You wouldnt have gone channel tunnel. You wouldnt have gone halfway across the channel and decided gone halfway across the channel and decided it gone halfway across the channel and decided it cost too much and just shut the decided it cost too much and just shut the door. You wouldnt build an extension shut the door. You wouldnt build an extension and say, but i cant afford extension and say, but i cant afford the extension and say, but i cant afford the roof, lets not bother. You know . Afford the roof, lets not bother. You know . Build the chain, build the tracks. You know . Build the chain, build the tracks. Lets you know . Build the chain, build the tracks, lets go, britton. Let� s you know . Build the chain, build the tracks, lets go, britton. Tracks, lets go, britton. Lets go, britton. Tracks, lets go, britton. Lets go, britton lan . Tracks, lets go, britton. Lets go, britton. Ian . Well, tracks, lets go, britton. Lets go, britton. Ian . Well, i tracks, lets go, britton. Lets go, britton. Ian . Well, i hear tracks, lets go, britton. Lets go, britton. Ian . Well, i hear this,. Tracks, lets go, britton. Lets go,| britton. Ian . Well, i hear this, but all the people britton. Ian . Well, i hear this, but all the people i britton. Ian . Well, i hear this, but all the people i know, britton. Ian . Well, i hear this, but all the people i know, this britton. Ian . Well, i hear this, but all the people i know, this lady all the people i know, this lady speaking there is the only person i have heard in about five years that has said that. The people i deal with on a day to day basis, people in the north, people who live in the north, they are not interested in going south. North, they are not interested in going south going south. This is rather depressing going south. This is rather depressing. No, going south. This is rather depressing. No, no, going south. This is rather depressing. No, no, it going south. This is rather depressing. No, no, it is. Going south. This is rather. Depressing. No, no, it is our nature depressing. No, no, it is our nature. The depressing. No, no, it is our nature. The thing depressing. No, no, it is our nature. The thing is, depressing. No, no, it is our nature. The thing is, in depressing. No, no, it is our nature. The thing is, in the i depressing. No, no, it is our nature. The thing is, in the north we have scotland, the borders and all the rest of it, and you can go there and there is nothing like that down south. There is nothing down south that would drag me down there, nothing of any interest. But a south that would drag me down there, nothing of any interest. Nothing of any interest. But a train that does nothing of any interest. But a train that goes really nothing of any interest. But a train that goes really fast. Nothing of any interest. But a train that goes really fast. Right, that goes really fast. Right, lets to sylvia that goes really fast. Right, lets to sylvia in that goes really fast. Right, lets to sylvia in aberdeen. I that goes really fast. Right, i lets to sylvia in aberdeen. Does this make us look stupid . Goad this make us look stupid . Good morninu. This make us look stupid . Good morning by this make us look stupid . Good morning. By this, this make us look stupid . Good morning. By this, do this make us look stupid . Good morning. By this, do you this make us look stupid . Good morning. By this, do you mean| this make us look stupid . Good morning. By this, do you mean the scrapping morning. By this, do you mean the scrapping of morning. By this, do you mean the scrapping of the morning. By this, do you mean the scrapping of the train . Morning. By this, do you mean the scrapping of the train . Yes, morning. By this, do you mean the scrapping of the train . Scrapping of the train . Yes, the scra |n~ scrapping of the train . Yes, the scrapping of scrapping of the train . Yes, the scrapping of the scrapping of the train . Yes, the scrapping of the train. Scrapping of the train . Yes, the scrapping of the train. Im scrapping of the train . Yes, the scrapping of the train. Im not i scrapping of the train. Im not talking about this phone in ie. Scrapping of the train. Im not talking about this phone in is the scra |n~ talking about this phone in is the scrapping of talking about this phone in is the scrapping of the talking about this phone in is the scrapping of the train talking about this phone in is the scrapping of the train a talking about this phone in is the scrapping of the train a national i scrapping of the train a National Embarrassment . Scrapping of the train a National Embarrassment . How scrapping of the train a National Embarrassment . How do scrapping of the train a National Embarrassment . How do you i scrapping of the train a national. Embarrassment . How do you think scrapping of the train a National Embarrassment . How do you think it looks embarrassment . How do you think it looks for embarrassment . How do you think it looks for the embarrassment . How do you think it looks for the rest embarrassment . How do you think it looks for the rest of embarrassment . How do you think it looks for the rest of the embarrassment . How do you think it looks for the rest of the world . Looks for the rest of the world . I looks for the rest of the world . I live looks for the rest of the world . I live in looks for the rest of the world . I live in the looks for the rest of the world . I live in the north looks for the rest of the world . I live in the north of looks for the rest of the world . I live in the north of scotland i looks for the rest of the world . I i live in the north of scotland and i live in the north of scotland and i use i live in the north of scotland and i use the i live in the north of scotland and i use the train i live in the north of scotland and i use the train a i live in the north of scotland and i use the train a lot. I live in the north of scotland and i use the train a lot. I i live in the north of scotland and i use the train a lot. I come i live in the north of scotland and i use the train a lot. I come froml i use the train a lot. I come from the midlands. I use the train a lot. I come from the midlands, obviously, i use the train a lot. I come from the midlands, obviously, and ii i use the train a lot. I come fromi the midlands, obviously, and i go down the midlands, obviously, and i go down south the midlands, obviously, and i go down south regular. The midlands, obviously, and i go down south regular. I the midlands, obviously, and i go down south regular. I dont the midlands, obviously, and i go down south regular. I dont knowl down south regular. I dont know where down south regular. Idont know where they down south regular. I dont know where they get down south regular. I dont know where they get the down south regular. I dont know where they get the figures down south regular. I dont know where they get the figures froml down south regular. I dont know. Where they get the figures from to say that where they get the figures from to say that the where they get the figures from to say that the trains where they get the figures from to say that the trains are where they get the figures from to say that the trains are not say that the trains are not being used say that the trains are not being used because say that the trains are not being used because they say that the trains are not being used because they are. Say that the trains are not being used because they are. I say that the trains are not being used because they are. I mean, | say that the trains are not being | used because they are. I mean, i always used because they are. I mean, i always have used because they are. I mean, i always have assisted used because they are. I mean, i always have assisted passage i used because they are. I mean, i always have assisted passage on| used because they are. I mean, i. Always have assisted passage on the train so always have assisted passage on the train so i always have assisted passage on the train so i always always have assisted passage on the train so i always have always have assisted passage on the train so i always have a always have assisted passage on the train so i always have a guaranteed. Train so i always have a guaranteed seat. Train so i always have a guaranteed seat. But train so i always have a guaranteed seat. But ive train so i always have a guaranteed seat, but ive been train so i always have a guaranteed seat, but ive been on train so i always have a guaranteed seat, but ive been on the train so i always have a guaranteed seat, but ive been on the chain i seat, but ive been on the chain when seat, but ive been on the chain when there seat, but ive been on the chain when there have seat, but ive been on the chain when there have been seat, but ive been on the chain when there have been people i seat, but ive been on the chain when there have been people standing up. Does when there have been people standing up. Does that when there have been people standing up. Does that signify when there have been people standing up. Does that signify trains when there have been people standing up. Does that signify trains that up. Does that signify trains that are not up. Does that signify trains that are not being up. Does that signify trains that are not being used . Up. Does that signify trains that are not being used . And up. Does that signify trains that are not being used . And the i up. Does that signify trains thatl are not being used . And the guy up. Does that signify trains that i are not being used . And the guy who was talking are not being used . And the guy who was talking a are not being used . And the guy who was talking a fuel are not being used . And the guy who was talking a fuel its are not being used . And the guy who was talking a fuel its ago are not being used . And the guy who was talking a fuel its ago who i are not being used . And the guy who was talking a fuel its ago who said i was talking a fuel its ago who said that it was talking a fuel its ago who said that it was was talking a fuel its ago who said that it was dearer was talking a fuel its ago who said that it was dearer to was talking a fuel its ago who said that it was dearer to go was talking a fuel its ago who said that it was dearer to go by was talking a fuel its ago who said that it was dearer to go by train i that it was dearer to go by train than that it was dearer to go by train than by that it was dearer to go by train than by plane. That it was dearer to go by train than by plane. I that it was dearer to go by train than by plane, i went that it was dearer to go by train than by plane, i went down i that it was dearer to go by train than by plane, i went down to. That it was dearer to go by train i than by plane, i went down to the midlands than by plane, i went down to the midlands a than by plane, i went down to the midlands a few than by plane, i went down to the midlands a few weeks than by plane, i went down to the midlands a few weeks ago, i than by plane, i went down to the midlands a few weeks ago, and i than by plane, i went down to the| midlands a few weeks ago, and to than by plane, i went down to the i midlands a few weeks ago, and to go by plane midlands a few weeks ago, and to go by plane was midlands a few weeks ago, and to go by plane was double midlands a few weeks ago, and to go by plane was double what midlands a few weeks ago, and to go by plane was double what i midlands a few weeks ago, and to go by plane was double what i paid i midlands a few weeks ago, and to go by plane was double what i paid on. By plane was double what i paid on the train. By plane was double what i paid on the train. I by plane was double what i paid on the train. Ido by plane was double what i paid on the train. I do use by plane was double what i paid on the train. I do use a by plane was double what i paid on the train. I do use a senior the train. I do use a Senior Citizens the train. I do use a Senior Citizens discount the train. I do use a Senior Citizens discount card, i the train. I do use a Senior Citizens discount card, so. The train. I do use a Senior Citizens discount card, so i the train. I do use a senior. Citizens discount card, so i do the train. I do use a Senior Citizens discount card, so i do get something citizens discount card, so i do get something off. Citizens discount card, so i do get something off, but citizens discount card, so i do get something off, but no, citizens discount card, so i do get something off, but no, the i citizens discount card, so i do get something off, but no, the trains| something off, but no, the trains are being something off, but no, the trains are being used. Something off, but no, the trains are being used. Something off, but no, the trains are being used. Thank you. If you can aet a are being used. Thank you. If you can get a seat. Are being used. Thank you. If you can get a seat, as are being used. Thank you. If you can get a seat, as you are being used. Thank you. If you can get a seat, as you say. I are being used. Thank you. If you can get a seat, as you say. Jim i are being used. Thank you. If you can get a seat, as you say. Jim in| can get a seat, as you say. Jim in south london, Euston Station is not far from where you are and we hear it will end up at euston and there has been a lot of toing and froing on that one. What do you think of the decision that has been made, and will be rubber stamped by the cabinet and will be announced when rishi sunak makes his speech later on, which you can hear on radio five live. ,. , on, which you can hear on radio five live. ,. , live. Good morning. Ithink it is disastrous live. Good morning. Ithink it is disastrous news, live. Good morning. Ithink it is disastrous news, quite live. Good morning. Ithink it is disastrous news, quite frankly. | live. Good morning. I think it is. Disastrous news, quite frankly. For me personally in the country as a whole, it is a step back, a decision by a terrible government. I have worked in industry and potentially this could be me losing myjob in the future. I think it is absolutely terrible. People keep going on about how it will save so much money, but we have a crumbling rail system that needs to be overhauled and this would help that. And it will get thousands of lorries off our roads. Without this, how will we do that . We cant solve that with a zoom call. It isjust we cant solve that with a zoom call. It is just crazy. We cant solve that with a zoom call. It isjust crazy. People we cant solve that with a zoom call. It is just crazy. People say they want short term solutions, that would be better, but organisations will be expensive and they wont solve the problems that have been there for years. There for years. Might they not solve a problem there for years. Might they not solve a problem that there for years. Might they not solve a problem that has i there for years. Might they not solve a problem that has been| there for years. Might they not i solve a problem that has been there for years, the catastrophic connectivity in the north of england, liverpool, leeds, manchester, and the terrible Railway Companies that were nationalised and didnt get much better. The awful state of the roads. You make a good job is aboutjobs, 30,000 jobs would go down into a black hole on this one. And also, what about compulsory purchases . It would be great to hear from somebody who has had a compulsory purchase. It from somebody who has had a compulsory purchase. From somebody who has had a compulsory purchase. It has cost a fortune and compulsory purchase. It has cost a fortune and a compulsory purchase. It has cost a fortune and a lot compulsory purchase. It has cost a fortune and a lot of compulsory purchase. It has cost a fortune and a lot of the compulsory purchase. It has cost a fortune and a lot of the cost, i i fortune and a lot of the cost, i know somebody who works on Lower Thames Crossing and we have to go through such a process to get these things done. You have to talk to so many people and this is one of the reasons it costs so much money and people complain constantly. We have basically spent billions on the crossing already. Basically spent billions on the crossing already. Jim, is this about seed, or crossing already. Jim, is this about speed. Or is crossing already. Jim, is this about speed. Or is it crossing already. Jim, is this about speed, or is it about crossing already. Jim, is this about speed, or is it about capacity i speed, or is it about Capacity Customer capacity. The speed, or is it about Capacity Customer capacity. The speed is not really going customer capacity. The speed is not really going to customer capacity. The speed is not really going to save customer capacity. The speed is not really going to save much customer capacity. The speed is not really going to save much time, i customer capacity. The speed is not really going to save much time, butj really going to save much time, but it is giving the rest of the system capacity. It will take a lot of the problems of the rest of the track. How much freight will go on this question but how many people can use this, and then their local lines will be freed up . Why would i want to get to birmingham ten minutes quicker because market is not about that. It is about capacity. We havent got it in this country, we havent got it in this country, we have a failing rail system. I want to read out have a failing rail system. I want to read out a have a failing rail system. I want to read out a quote have a failing rail system. I want to read out a quote from i have a failing rail system. I want to read out a quote from a i have a failing rail system. I want l to read out a quote from a wealthy man, and influential man, peter hargreaves. Hargreaves lansdown hargreaves. Hargreaves la nsdown Financial Services hargreaves. Hargreaves lansdown Financial Services group. He said that the trends sits the pandemic hit mean it is time to pull the plug. Working patterns, working practices. It was train journeys, especially for business, will become more and more irrelevant. If people are working from home, why should they feel the need to visit other places in person . What do you think of that . Im places in person . What do you think of that . �. ,. , places in person . What do you think of that . �. ,. ,. , of that . Im not sure he has been on a train recently of that . Im not sure he has been on a train recently where of that . Im not sure he has been on a train recently where you of that . Im not sure he has been on a train recently where you can a train recently where you can barely find a seat. Its nice for him to be able to say that, he probably travelled by car, or whatever. I doubt he gets on a train himself. But what about freight as Well Customer we have a green agenda, so what will we do . I was on the m6 recently and it was jam packed with lorries. How can we help that situation . It is such a short sighted decision. fix, help that situation . It is such a shortsighted decision. A populist decision. Populist, shortsighted decision. A populist decision. Populist, thats decision. Populist, thats interesting. Im going to take that word and run with it with nick eardley, our correspondent who is at the conference in manchester. There is an irony that the conference is in manchester. We heard from jim, who is a railway man himself of many years and he said it is a populist decision. I wonder if it is a popular one. I wonder what the electorate will think of this because that has got to be, if not in the front of their minds, in the back of their minds. What is the politics . Well, in terms of it being popular, nicki, there are a lot of Tory Politicians and people in the country who were always opposed to hsz, who thought it was too expensive, that it would rip up parts of the countryside, and that it was not worth the money being spent on it. Its important to remember that there are a lot of people here who will welcome this announcement today. But what is more interesting in some senses is the number of tories who are unhappy stop keep an eye on andy street today, the mayor of the West Midlands, a man who held a Press Conference the other day, an impromptu Press Conference, where he was pleading with the Prime Minister not to make this decision. He has not to make this decision. He has not made it clear this morning how he feels. My understanding is he wants to wait and hear the speech before responding accordingly. But there are some who think that it is possible he will resign as a result of this decision. There are all these politicians in the north of england who are furious about this, who say that quite frankly, this is a betrayal of the north. Ourformer prior minister borisjohnson, prior minister boris johnson, theresa prior minister borisjohnson, theresa may, david cameron, all think it is a terrible idea. But one thing i have learned from covering these conferences as there is probably a surprise in this later. And what i have found most interesting about grant shapps earlier when he was on bbc breakfast and radio four this morning, he was hinting there are some really big announcements coming for the north of england. Tens of billions that we saved by not going ahead with the birmingham to Manchester Leg of hs2, and that will be reinvested somewhere else. So i think there will be a lot of people wanting to see the detail of what rishi sunak has up his sleeve, before making further conclusions on this. But in terms of how people feel this morning, politically it feels to me like again, this is starting to overshadow another day of the conservative conference, and that is pretty bad news for rishi sunak. This hasnt been managed terribly well by the comms people, has it . No, weve been speaking about it for weeks. Chatting to people last night, we were talking about this yesterday on the programme. There is a sense that rishi sunak has been looking for lift off and he just hasnt got it. So far its been an underwhelming conference, hs2 has been a big talking point, so has liz truss, tax. Rishi sunak hasnt dominated the messaging. When i was chatting to a couple of ministers last night, a couple of people around rishi sunak and to know his thinking, they were saying there is no point drawing the conclusion before you hear his speech. There is one thing that matters in this conference and its what the pm says that midday today. Im sure he has a few things up his sleeve. He will try and make a big bang this afternoon. Its feasible that if that goes well, by tomorrow we are all talking about Something Else but at the moment it doesnt feel like its going that well to me. fine at the moment it doesnt feel like its going that well to me. Its going that well to me. One of the other highlight, its going that well to me. One of the other highlight, by its going that well to me. One of the other highlight, by the its going that well to me. One of the other highlight, by the by, i its going that well to me. One of the other highlight, by the by, is| the other highlight, by the by, is priti patel dancing with nigel farage. That has caused a bit of a to do, hasnt it . To do, hasnt it . Yes, its a hilarious to do, hasnt it . Yes, its a hilarious video. To do, hasnt it . Yes, its a hilarious video. A to do, hasnt it . Yes, its a hilarious video. A gb to do, hasnt it . Yes, its a hilarious video. A gb newsj to do, hasnt it . Yes, its a hilarious video. A gb news night out. There is politics to this as well. Even a video of people screaming bad lyrics in the middle of the night. The politics of that is the most interesting thing here has been the march of the right of the conservative party. Suella braverman talking about a hurricane of migration, nigel farage wandering around. Yes, he was forecasting for his programme but he was also pretty well received here by some conservative politicians. Liz truss, despite everything, was back with hundreds of people queueing up to see her. That feels a bit like a lot of people preparing for the possibility that there will be in opposition after a general election and jockeying for position, trying to be the candidate of the right, trying to appeal to the grassroots of the party. But it all points back at the moment to rishi sunak not yet having the big moment that dominates the conference. The big question today, does he get it at noon . 50. Today, does he get it at noon . So, what else will today, does he get it at noon . So, what else will be in that speech to ameliorate the likes of your good self, sasha . There could be stuff in the speech this morning, early afternoon, that you will be able to watch on bbc news and here on 5 live. There might be stuff that makes you feel very happy until we stop talking about hs2 and Start Talking about the bold initiatives. I agree. The devil is always in the detail and we need to sit and wait and see but there was a really important point made there. This is bigger thanjust important point made there. This is bigger than just politics. Important point made there. This is bigger thanjust politics. This is about bringing the north in line with the south. Yes, Andy Street Conservative mayor for the West Midlands, its going to be interesting to see how he reacts because it came out very passionately and supported it. But just going back to if few corners ago, ian who phoned up, i share his passion for the north. He was talking about all the great that happened up here. He talking about all the great that happened up here. Talking about all the great that happened up here. He was saying basically that happened up here. He was saying basically that he happened up here. He was saying basically that he doesnt happened up here. He was saying basically that he doesnt like happened up here. He was sayingl basically that he doesnt like going to london. I basically that he doesnt like going to london. , �. , to london. I wouldnt agree with everything to london. I wouldnt agree with everything there. To london. I wouldnt agree with everything there. There to london. I wouldnt agree with everything there. There are to london. I wouldnt agree with l everything there. There are some Amazing Things in london. But the point im trying to make on ian is this. Look at Greater Manchester at the moment, Sunday Times Havejust said we are the uk capital of nightlife. Early next year were going to have the arena open which is the best and biggest in europe. So why not allow people to luxury, the people that live in london the luxury to come to the north and experience what weve got . Its not just about us getting down there, its vice versa as well. Its vice versa as well. 24hour a its vice versa as well. 24hour party peeple its vice versa as well. 24hour party peeple and its vice versa as well. 24hour party people and all its vice versa as well. 24hour party people and all that. Party people and all that. More to come. Its time i came to some of the texts, and i will in short order but right now lets go to the knees. The news. He is the knees. Rishi sunak� s expected to use his Party Conference speech this lunchtime to announce the scrapping of the birmingham to Manchester Leg of hs2. The cabinet minister, grant shapps, says its right to review the rail project because peoples Travel Habits have changed since the pandemic. An Army Investigation has found that a female soldier who died at Larkhill Barracks in wiltshire in 2021, probably took her own life. The bbc has seen a Service Inquiry report on the death of i9 year old Gunnerjaysley Beck which suggests that relentless Sexual Harassment from her boss may have contributed. Consultants and Junior Doctors are entering the third and final day of their strike across the nhs in england. Bma members are campaigning for a pay rise to help them catch up after years of below inflation increases. The government says this years rise was fair. And the rac says the price of petrol and diesel has risen for the fourth month in a row. It says petroljumped by an average of four and a half pence a litre in september, while diesel was up by eight pence. Thats the news. Manchester united manager erik ten hag has acknowledged that his team are in a very difficult period but that they can come out of it together. United lost 3 2 at home to galatasaray in the Champions League. It was their sixth defeat in their last 9 games. Winger bukayo saka is an injury doubt for arsenals Home Premier League match against Manchester City on sunday. He came off with a Muscle Problem during arsenals 2 1 Champions League defeat at lens. England legend alan shearer has joined the calls for Var Decisions to be broadcast live in football stadiums, so that fans can hear how decisions are being reached by the officials. It is something which happens in several others sports. Shearer� s comments follow the major var blunder which saw liverpool denied a goal last weekend. The audio of that incident has now been made public. Mark cavendishs astana team have hinted that the british cyclist will postpone his retirement, and to attempt a record breaking 35th Tour De France stage win next year. The 38 year old had announced in may that he would stop this winter. Rishi sunak� s rishi suna k� s speech rishi sunak� s speech will be at 11 30am. Full coverage on bbc news and 5 live. Bbc news and bbc to leave us at 10am and youll get the latest coverage of national and international news. Youre on the radio after 10am, we are talking about affairs. Can you repair after an affair . Theres a brand new Netflix Documentary about David Beckhams life. In it Victoria Beckham has talked for the first time about the impact his alleged affair had on their marriage. She says the period when the claims were made in 2003 was the hardest time of her life and the most unhappy she had ever been. David beckham said it was the first time his marriage had been put under pressure, and described how he had to fight for his family. Regardless of what happened in their marriage, does this resonate with you . Lets talk about your experience. Has the trust in your marriage been damaged by an affair . Was there any way back or not . There are affairs and there are affairs. The one night stand, longer sexual intimacy, emotional intimacy as well. Anonymity if necessary, tell us of your relationship survived and if there is a way back or not. I think thatll be fascinating. Thats after ten oclock, can you repair an affair . Some news hot off the press, the cabinet will meet in manchester this morning ahead of the Prime Ministers Party Conference speech. Speculation that would happen in the news this morning and that it would be a Rubber Stamping of what hes going to say about hs2. If it is a u turn itll be a big story. Maxine is in basildon, good morning and i needin is in basildon, good morning and i need in new bra. Thanks for coming on. And michael thing and chris in darlington as well. I look at the texts. I hope the irony of Rishi Sunak Cancelling Hs2 in an old Railway Station isnt lost on anyone and is neverforgotten. I always knew it would never happen. Thats from sian in manchester. And another one, having lived in the upper midlands since 97, wild horses wouldnt drag me back south but since the death of my husband i am practically tracked and i would love to travel to these areas i enjoyed with my husband. Its impossible now due to health issues. I dont drive, i need a reliable public transport sector. Forget london, theyve had to shed loads of funding, now its our turn for to shed loads of funding, now its ourturn forfunding. So, give it now to benefit all people north of birmingham. Sue in derbyshire, thank you very much for that. Its a very important point and weve had lots of texts saying the north east is being treated as a relevant in all this as well. So, what do you think, maxine . What you think about the decision . I maxine . What you think about the decision . , maxine . What you think about the decision . , decision . I feelthat the building of h52 should decision . I feelthat the building of h52 should have decision . I feelthat the building of h52 should have gone decision . I feelthat the building of h52 should have gone ahead, | of hs2 should have gone ahead, really. Because this nation is classically a traditionally a nation of builders. And under queen victoria, we built the modern railway and it changed the lives of many people all around the country. Around the world. Each many people all around the country. Around the world. Around the world. Each generation has to net around the world. Each generation has to get ahead around the world. Each generation has to get ahead and around the world. Each generation has to get ahead and even around the world. Each generation has to get ahead and even if around the world. Each generation | has to get ahead and even if money is tight, this isnt a poor nation. Sometimes we behave as they were really poor but were not. Compared to some countries, we are absolutely loaded and obviously there are a lot of financial constraints and issues with health and business and all sorts of other things but we always have to invest in our future. We Cannot Live For Today only. Maxine, i aet Cannot Live For Today only. Maxine, i. Et it Cannot Live For Today only. Maxine, i get it and Cannot Live For Today only. Maxine, i get it and its Cannot Live For Today only. Maxine, i get it and its a Cannot Live For Today only. Maxine, i get it and its a source Cannot Live For Today only. Maxine, i get it and its a source of Cannot Live For Today only. Maxine, i get it and its a source of great i i get it and its a source of great pride and a source of proper national ambition, thats a line of argument coming through and you put it out on the radio very well. Annie in newbrough, is rishi sunak right . Yes, hes absolutely right. His predecessor didnt really have a business predecessor didnt really have a Business Plan with the return on investment spending that sort of money investment spending that sort of money and what you get back from it. And what money and what you get back from it. And what the north actually needs cities and what the north actually needs cities linking together. So liverpool linking with manchester, with leaves, with newcastle, all the bil with leaves, with newcastle, all the big powerhouses. We need to stop focusing big powerhouses. We need to stop focusing on london being the central part of focusing on london being the central part of the focusing on london being the central part of the country, where all the Business Part of the country, where all the business has to go. It has to move up business has to go. It has to move up North Business has to go. It has to move up north and business has to go. It has to move up north and it cant until we can all communicate with each other easily all communicate with each other easily. And at the moment, its all about easily. And at the moment, its all about linking straight to london. Lets about linking straight to london. Lets get about linking straight to london. Lets get the Communications Links setup lets get the Communications Links setup properly up north and give them setup properly up north and give them a setup properly up north and give them a chance to actually start competing properly with london. Get from a competing properly with london. From a to d in competing properly with london. set from a to d in the north. Gerry competing properly with london. pet from a to d in the north. Gerry and cheltenham . Mr; from a to d in the north. Gerry and cheltenham . From a to d in the north. Gerry and cheltenham . G ,. , , cheltenham . My husband travels every da when he cheltenham . My husband travels every day when he can cheltenham . My husband travels every day when he can to cheltenham . My husband travels every day when he can to Birmingham Cheltenham . My husband travels every day when he can to birmingham from i day when he can to birmingham from cheltenham day when he can to birmingham from cheltenham. The day when he can to birmingham from cheltenham. The train day when he can to birmingham from cheltenham. The train is day when he can to birmingham from cheltenham. The train is always cheltenham. The train is always crowded. Cheltenham. The train is always crowded. Its cheltenham. The train is always crowded, its a cheltenham. The train is always crowded, its a nightmare. Cheltenham. The train is always crowded, its a nightmare. Sometimes he gets crowded, its a nightmare. Sometimes he gets fed crowded, its a nightmare. Sometimes he gets fed up crowded, its a nightmare. Sometimes he gets fed up and crowded, its a nightmare. Sometimes he gets fed up and stay crowded, its a nightmare. Sometimes he gets fed up and stay sober. Crowded, its a nightmare. Sometimes he gets fed up and stay sober. So, crowded, its a nightmare. Sometimes he gets fed up and stay sober. So, i. He gets fed up and stay sober. So, i sometimes he gets fed up and stay sober. So, i sometimesjoin he gets fed up and stay sober. So, i Sometimesjoin Him he gets fed up and stay sober. So, i Sometimesjoin Him and he gets fed up and stay sober. So, i Sometimesjoin Him and i he gets fed up and stay sober. So, i Sometimesjoin Him and i went he gets fed up and stay sober. So, Ll Sometimesjoin Him and i went there last week Sometimesjoin Him and i went there last week i Sometimesjoin Him and i went there last week. I either Sometimesjoin Him and i went there last week. I either catch Sometimesjoin Him and i went there last week. I either catch the last week. I either catch the manchester last week. I either catch the Manchester Train last week. I either catch the Manchester Train all last week. I either catch the Manchester Train all the last week. I either catch the Manchester Train all the edinburgh train Manchester Train all the edinburgh train its Manchester Train all the edinburgh train. Its always Manchester Train all the edinburgh train. Its always chock a block, l train. Its always chock a block, ahsolutely train. Its always chock a block, absolutely solid. Train. Its always chock a block, absolutely solid. I train. Its always chock a block, absolutely solid. I was train. Its always chock a block, absolutely solid. I was sitting. Train. Its always chock a block, i absolutely solid. I was sitting next to a lody absolutely solid. I was sitting next to a lady who absolutely solid. I was sitting next to a lady who travels absolutely solid. I was sitting next to a lady who travels regularly absolutely solid. I was sitting next to a lady who travels regularly to i to a lady who travels regularly to manchester to a lady who travels regularly to manchester from to a lady who travels regularly to manchester from london to a lady who travels regularly to manchester from london and to a lady who travels regularly to | manchester from london and she to a lady who travels regularly to manchester from london and she said sometimes manchester from london and she said sometimes i manchester from london and she said sometimes i get manchester from london and she said sometimes i get fat manchester from london and she said sometimes i get fat burning manchester from london and she said sometimes i get fat burning and sometimes i get fat burning and because sometimes i get fat burning and because the sometimes i get fat burning and because the train sometimes i get fat burning and because the train is sometimes i get fat burning and because the train is so sometimes i get fat burning and| because the train is so crowded, ust because the train is so crowded, just for because the train is so crowded, just for some because the train is so crowded, just for some fresh because the train is so crowded, just for some fresh air. Because the train is so crowded, just for some fresh air. I because the train is so crowded, just for some fresh air. I mean, i just for some fresh air. I mean, its not just for some fresh air. I mean, its not about just for some fresh air. I mean, its not about the just for some fresh air. I mean, its not about the speed, just for some fresh air. I mean, its not about the speed, its i just for some fresh air. I mean, i its not about the speed, its about the capacity its not about the speed, its about the capacity. You its not about the speed, its about the capacity. You know, its not about the speed, its about the capacity. You know, its its not about the speed, its about the capacity. You know, its crazy. | the capacity. You know, its crazy. The only the capacity. You know, its crazy. The only people the capacity. You know, its crazy. The only people that the capacity. You know, its crazy. The only people that can the capacity. You know, its crazy. The only people that can ever the capacity. You know, its crazy. The only people that can ever geti the only people that can ever get seats the only people that can ever get seats on the only people that can ever get seats on the the only people that can ever get seats on the disabled the only people that can ever get seats on the disabled who the only people that can ever get seats on the disabled who sit the only people that can ever get seats on the disabled who sit in l the only people that can ever get. Seats on the disabled who sit in the spaces seats on the disabled who sit in the spaces its seats on the disabled who sit in the spaces. Its dreadful. Seats on the disabled who sit in the spaces. Its dreadful. You seats on the disabled who sit in the spaces. Its dreadful. You pay seats on the disabled who sit in the spaces. Its dreadful. You pay all. Spaces. Its dreadful. You pay all that money spaces. Its dreadful. You pay all that money to spaces. Its dreadful. You pay all that money to stand spaces. Its dreadful. You pay all that money to stand up. Spaces. Its dreadful. You pay all that money to stand up. Spaces. Its dreadful. You pay all that money to stand up. Yes, she noes that money to stand up. Yes, she aoes to that money to stand up. Yes, she goes to manchester that money to stand up. Yes, she goes to manchester to that money to stand up. Yes, she goes to manchester to london. That money to stand up. Yes, she| goes to manchester to london and gets off at birmingham . Just goes to manchester to london and gets off at birmingham . Gets off at birmingham . Just for a rest and then gets off at birmingham . Just for a rest and then gets gets off at birmingham . Just for a rest and then gets back gets off at birmingham . Just for a rest and then gets back on gets off at birmingham . Just for a rest and then gets back on the gets off at birmingham . Just for a l rest and then gets back on the train again rest and then gets back on the train again i rest and then gets back on the train aaain. , she rest and then gets back on the train again. She said rest and then gets back on the train again. She said it rest and then gets back on the train again. She said it so rest and then gets back on the train again. I see. She said it so crowdedj again. I see. She said it so crowded sometimes. Again. I see. She said it so crowded sometimes. You again. I see. She said it so crowded sometimes, you know, again. I see. She said it so crowded sometimes, you know, and again. I see. She said it so crowded sometimes, you know, and its again. she said it so crowded sometimes, you know, and its so. Sometimes, you know, and its so awful sometimes, you know, and its so awful that sometimes, you know, and its so awful that she sometimes, you know, and its so awful that she actually sometimes, you know, and its so awful that she actually gets sometimes, you know, and its so awful that she actually gets off. Sometimes, you know, and its so awful that she actually gets off at| awful that she actually gets off at birmingham awful that she actually gets off at birminghamjust awful that she actually gets off at birminghamjust to awful that she actually gets off at birmingham just to have awful that she actually gets off at birmingham just to have a awful that she actually gets off at birmingham just to have a cup. Awful that she actually gets off at birmingham just to have a cup of| birmingham just to have a cup of decent birmingham just to have a cup of decent coffee birmingham just to have a cup of decent coffee and birmingham just to have a cup of decent coffee and gets birmingham just to have a cup of decent coffee and gets back birmingham just to have a cup of decent coffee and gets back on l birmingham just to have a cup of. Decent coffee and gets back on the train to decent coffee and gets back on the train to manchester. Decent coffee and gets back on the train to manchester. I decent coffee and gets back on the train to manchester. Train to manchester. I think that miaht train to manchester. I think that might echo train to manchester. I think that might echo with train to manchester. I think that might echo with people. Train to manchester. I think that | might echo with people. Anthony train to manchester. I think that. Might echo with people. Anthony in rutland, what do you think about the decision which is going to be announced in a speech at 11 30am . Good morning. Ithink announced in a speech at 11 30am . Good morning. I think its a very brave decision that rishi has made. Yes, there are all things we would like to do and achieve but unfortunately hes made this decision but its too much money to spend. The proof i think will be in how he spends the savings. If across the country in our local communities we can all see a better infrastructure appearing and we can all begin to move more freely, more easily, then i think the decision will be right. If he fails to invest in local infrastructure or infrastructure in any way and we dont see any improvements on anything, then i think its the end of his party. Anything, then i think its the end of his party of his party. Thats quite something. Of his party. Thats quite something. Somebody l of his party. Thats quite i something. Somebody said of his party. Thats quite something. Somebody said earlier, sasha, that this decision will be two fingers up to the north. But nick eardley our Political Correspondent said that there will be stuck in a speech today, there will be sweetness which will be talking points tomorrow. Thank you very much. Well get to michael in a second. Chris in darlington, what you think about this decision . I you think about this decision . 1 just hope that when he you think about this decision . I just hope that when he announced its been cancelled, that some money is going to be paid to upgrade the a66 at Scotch Corner and also the a1 into Dual Carriageway. Youre on a few miles of Dual Carriageway and then all of a sudden, bang, youre down to single carriageway, the amount of accidents is shocking. The amount of accidents is shocking. The amount of accidents is shocking. The amount of money, and people have been crying out for it for years, especially those two roads. I know there are other roads around the country that need it but with the a66 we get trucks coming down from the West Of Scotland and england, they come across the a66 and its bumper to bumper sundays. The same coming down the east side, down the a1 and every time its knocked back. Notjust by this government but a history of governments have just said no, no, no. Well do five miles at a time, ten miles at a time if youre lucky. Ijust think at a time, ten miles at a time if youre lucky. I just think the money, hopefully today hell announce that those two roads at least will get the money to improve them. Because its an absolute joke. Listen, if i open the phone lines on that one, roads that need improvement, i think it would be gridlocked, it really would. A couple of texts. My mother is 81 and lives in anglesey with other elderly people. She doesnt drive, the buses have been cut with only one boss not going to bangor. One boss going there and back per day. More investment in buses is need to too. We did a phone and not long ago on buses and it was chock a block. Standing room only. It was incredible. Keep the texts coming. Michael byng, are you there . Yes. Incredible. Keep the texts coming. Michael byng, are you there . Yes, i am. I michael byng, are you there . Yes, i am i wanted michael byng, are you there . Yes, i am. I wanted you michael byng, are you there . Yes, i am. I wanted you to michael byng, are you there . Yes, i am. I wanted you to hear michael byng, are you there . Yes, i am. I wanted you to hear some i michael byng, are you there . Yes, i| am. I wanted you to hear some calls. You produce am. I wanted you to hear some calls. You produce the am. I wanted you to hear some calls. You produce the estimates am. I wanted you to hear some calls. You produce the estimates for i am. I wanted you to hear some calls. You produce the estimates for the i you produce the estimates for the costs of hs2, why has it spiralled out of control . What went wrong . The desi. N out of control . What went wrong . Tue design wasnt out of control . What went wrong . He design wasnt properly out of control . What went wrong . Tte design wasnt properly complete out of control . What went wrong . Tte design wasnt properly complete at the start, especially euston. They didnt consider what was needed in manchester, the stations in manchester. They didnt seriously consider an interchange on the Great Western main line, and on it goes. It was a poorly scoped project and the estimate was frankly woefully understated. So you now had these problems waiting to have a massive escalation in costs which people say is inflation, it isnt. The reason is inflation, it isnt. The reason is a poorly produced estimate for phase one of hs2 in 2017. With my colleague lord berkeley, we were given a statement of cost. We later found out the contemporary estimate was 47. 1 billion, why it happened i dont know but having said that, the costs are there because its very expensive here to build railways. We live on a small, densely populated, property owning democratic island. People stick up for their rights. Its always been so. When i talk to people about the cost of building railways in this country, i quote from hansard from august 1920. Its always been the same. So, to conclude the answer, probably the root is the wrong route, its the wrong corridor route. There are 561 works contracts before you can even open up the corridor for the railway. That should have told somebody that this was probably the wrong route. Who; somebody that this was probably the wrong route wrong route. Why wasnt there external scrutiny . Wrong route. Why wasnt there external scrutiny . It wrong route. Why wasnt there external scrutiny . It depends i wrong route. Why wasnt there i external scrutiny . It depends what ou external scrutiny . It depends what you mean external scrutiny . It depends what you mean. Somebody external scrutiny . It depends what you mean. Somebody saying, i external scrutiny . It depends what you mean. Somebody saying, this| external scrutiny . It depends what. You mean. Somebody saying, this is the wron you mean. Somebody saying, this is the wrong route, you mean. Somebody saying, this is the wrong route, this you mean. Somebody saying, this is the wrong route, this is you mean. Somebody saying, this is the wrong route, this is going i you mean. Somebody saying, this is the wrong route, this is going to i the wrong route, this is going to cost more than you say. Somebody saying that early doors. T cost more than you say. Somebody saying that early doors. Saying that early doors. I did, on the 5th of saying that early doors. I did, on the 5th ofjanuary saying that early doors. I did, on the 5th of january 2017| saying that early doors. I did, on the 5th of january 2017| told saying that early doors. I did, on the 5th of january 2017| told the | the 5th of january 2017i told the sponsor of the dft the hs2 phase one that his estimate was horrendously out. If you can explain how that came about and howl out. If you can explain how that came about and how i got asked to do the estimate, i didntjust throw a brick in the pool. Roll back to october 2016, brick in the pool. Roll back to 0ctober2016, i brick in the pool. Roll back to october 2016, i gave Expert Witness evidence for the campaign is at euston for an alternative proposal. My euston for an alternative proposal. My cost of euston to Old Oak Common was 8. 24 8 billion. After that the dft said, could i go and see them. They said, we are concerned because what do you think its going to cost to go to burning in . It was originally 53. 6 billion, later reduced to 47. 8 birmingham. In the original bill was the connection to st pancras. They knew that the estimate was wrong. That isnt a reason for killing the project but one would hope that somebody would have said what are the rest of our calculations like if this is wrong . I then went on, i got a lot of stick for it, ifinished i then went on, i got a lot of stick for it, i finished a i then went on, i got a lot of stick for it, ifinished a review i then went on, i got a lot of stick for it, i finished a review which i then went on, i got a lot of stick for it, ifinished a review which is where the 106 billion comes from. At that review, hs2 could not produce costings despite having spent 11. 9 million since the 31st of december 2018. I produced my estimate, it cost me £190,000 but basically all the costs to date going right up to the costs to date going right up to the 182. 1 billion quoted, are based on that originaljanuary 2017 estimate. The point i make to people is when you hear these figures, because these projects are so large and they take so long to do, always ask what the cost database is. Weve got at least eight years of inflation. Got at least eight years of inflation got at least eight years of inflation. ,. ,. ,. , inflation. How much are we going to save . If inflation. How much are we going to save . If you inflation. How much are we going to save . If you scrap inflation. How much are we going to save . If you scrap h52 inflation. How much are we going to save . If you scrap h52 completely, | save . If you scrap h52 completely, ou would save . If you scrap h52 completely, you would probably save . If you scrap h52 completely, you would probably save save . If you scrap h52 completely, you would probably save about i save . If you scrap h52 completely, you would probably save about 18 l you would probably save about 18 billion. But then again, what are you going to do with euston, the works . I wrote a paper in 2022 after the integrated rail plan that talked about a phrase which has become common, re purchasing hs2. What could we do to make use of what we already have . How would we put it into the railway system, what would we do with those sections . The other thing is the land we do with those sections . The other thing is the [and thats taken and returned to its original owners. That would be interesting and if youre in that situation get in touch with us. Wasnt that interesting . A lot of figures there from a man with a very big brain. Lets go with cray, gerald and clarissa. Weve got time for all of you. Right decision . Tia. Clarissa. Weve got time for all of you. Right decision . You. Right decision . No, its a really bad you. Right decision . No, its a really bad decision. You. Right decision . No, its a really bad decision. H52 i you. Right decision . No, its a really bad decision. H52 is i you. Right decision . No, its a really bad decision. H52 is a i you. Right decision . No, its a. Really bad decision. H52 is a hot really bad decision. Hs2 is a hot topic where i live because its the countryside around here thats been turned up to make way for it. I have two daughters still at university and we are very reliant on the railways and yesterday i was trying to book a ticket for one of my daughters to come home for a reading week. £71 one way from newcastle to london. Flying is £41. We all know that putting a plane in the sky is really bad for the environment but its half the price. Its half the price. Thats an advance its half the price. Thats an advance ticket . Its half the price. Thats an advance ticket . That i its half the price. Thats an advance ticket . That was. Its half the price. Thats anj advance ticket . That was in its half the price. Thats an i advance ticket . That was in two weeks time advance ticket . That was in two weeks time. But advance ticket . That was in two weeks time. But its advance ticket . That was in two weeks time. But its the advance ticket . That was in two weeks time. But its the same l advance ticket . That was in two i weeks time. But its the same with the train, picking the 20 weeks out. There is a difficult sums to justify. For me, hs2 would only have worked if it had started at the other end. If you started it in leeds and brought itself, there would always have been money found to bring it to london because all roads lead here. Ijust think its a disgrace. B. Roads lead here. I ust think its a disurace. � ,. , roads lead here. I ust think its a disgrace. I when i i roads lead here. I ust think its a i disgrace. I when i look disgrace. A disgrace at. When i look at the countryside disgrace. A disgrace at. When i look at the countryside around disgrace. A disgrace at. When i look at the countryside around where i disgrace. A disgrace at. When i look at the countryside around where we | at the countryside around where we live, i look at the wagons that have come up and down the road, bringing concrete and thought it could all be scrapped and all have been for nothing ijust think is desperate. Aha, nothing ijust think is desperate. A big response on this this morning, no surprise, clarissa, lots of people with very strong opinions. So much as the response, the demand to talk about this and to opine, im going to carry the sun until 10 15am. Our conversation on affairs will ensue. We are going to talk about whether you can survive an affair, a dalliance on longer emotional or sexual attachment. Wed like your thoughts on that, please. It will be very smooth segue from hs2, promise. Supply and demand. Clarissa is angry, craig in blackwood, what you say . Well, in wales we are blackwood, what you say . Well, in wales we are basically blackwood, what you say . Well, in wales we are basically spectators. | blackwood, what you say . Well, in| wales we are basically spectators. I cant see how were going to benefit in any way from it. He cant see how were going to benefit in any way from it. In any way from it. He says that the Smoke Signals in any way from it. He says that the Smoke Signals are in any way from it. He says that the Smoke Signals are that in any way from it. He says that the Smoke Signals are that there i in any way from it. He says that the Smoke Signals are that there is i Smoke Signals are that there is going to be investment in wales. Well see what he says. The investment well see what he says. The investment that well see what he says. The investment that we well see what he says. Tte investment that we need in well see what he says. Tt2 investment that we need in wales, wales has been run down for years, our leisure centres are closing, got high waiting lists in our hospitals than anywhere else in the uk, the roads are in a terrible condition. Another 20 miles an hour in most of the rural parts wales which is causing a massive problem. I think this colossal amount of money could be so much better spent. The country is in the worst condition its been for generations as far as the National Debt is concerned. The benefit its going to bring, i really cant see much benefit arriving at a meeting 20 minutes early when weve got so much better ways of conducting meetings these days. I think this high speed rail is a White Elephant and i would like to see rishi sunak go one step further and scrap the project. Iurethat further and scrap the proect. What about north further and scrap the proect. What about north wales i further and scrap the proect. What about north wales to i further and scrap the project. What about north wales to south wales . What about it . Hope about north wales to south wales . What about it . About north wales to south wales . What about it . You | what about it . How easy is it . You can travel on what about it . How easy is it . You can travel on the what about it . How easy is it . You can travel on the diesel what about it . How easy is it . You can travel on the diesel trains i what about it . How easy is it . You can travel on the diesel trains up i can travel on the diesel trains up to north wales. Its a very pretty trip, its not going to get you there very quickly, or you can drive up there very quickly, or you can drive up the a470 which is a terrible way to get from north to south. We only have one motorway in wales which is the m4 which is in desperate need of investment. For most of it its 50 mph. Weve got two lanes, weve been talking about a relief road for years and thats always been something thats been unaffordable. We see tens of billions spent on a rail project which is probably outdated and is not going to be of any benefit to us. Outdated and is not going to be of any benefit to us. Some people will ask the question any benefit to us. Some people will ask the question about any benefit to us. Some people will ask the question about what any benefit to us. Some people will ask the question about what this i any benefit to us. Some people will| ask the question about what this leg of hs2, what would be the implications for constituencies that need to be won as well, thats a political question being asked and we are looking at a lot of that on the texts as well. Viewers of bbc two and bbc news leave us now. Live from london, this is bbc news. In the next few hours, Prime Minister rishi sunak is expected to confirm alternative options after the anticipated cancellation of a high speed rail link to manchester. Im nick eardley at the conservative Party Conference in manchester. The decision is hugely controversial. Some see it as a betrayal of the north of england. Others think the money could be better spent elsewhere. At least 21 people, including two children, were killed after a bus crashed and caught fire near venice. 18 people have been left injured. Politcal chaos in the us Kevin Mccarthy says he wont run again for house speaker, after being ousted in a dramatic vote in congress. Hello, welcome to bbc news. The Prime Minister rishi sunak is today expected to confirm that the part of europes biggest Infrastructure Project the high speed rail line connecting englands major cities known as hs2 will not be built as planned. The train line, which is already being constructed from london to birmingham, will not continue on to manchester. Costs have risen, and the government is thought to be considering cancelling that second leg to the north. The route from birmingham to leeds has already been scrapped