Downing Street has refused to ensure the HS2 railway line will run to Manchester as deliberate amid stories Rishi Sunak and Jeremy Hunt are in talks about scrapping the venture's second stage.

It comes after The Independent reported ministers have been contemplating shelving the northern part amid considerations about spiralling prices and extreme delays.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman mentioned "spades are already in the ground on our HS2 programme and we're focused on delivering it" however wouldn't promise the road would go to Manchester.

"I can't comment on speculation around a leaked document. It is obviously standard process for departments to discuss the phasing of major projects like HS2... but the work is already under way," he mentioned.

Asked whether or not the Prime Minister was dedicated to the road going to Manchester, the spokesman mentioned: "We are committed to HS2, to the project.

"I can not touch upon the hypothesis that is a results of {a photograph}. We are as wanting on the rephasing of the work in the perfect pursuits of passengers and taxpayers."