we have waited and waited, but eventually it has arrived. well, at least it has arrived. is he right? for business people and commuters and travellers, nice to be able to get from leeds to liverpool, frankly. decent fares, and comfort, what about better roads? is this such a national embarrassment? this is letting down millions. cancelling the future. strong words are being used, strong phrases such as that one. and where does the buck stop? where does the

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 britain's rail network will have no service today, because of another 24—hour strike by train drivers. it's 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 it's "doing everything it can" to lower prices for customers. there's 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 can't even get from her village to the next village for a doctor's 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, that's good news for us. what is behind this — today, that's good news for us. what is behind this for— today, that's good news for us. what is behind this for you? _ today, that's good news for us. twist is behind this for you? what is today, that's good news for us. ltd"isgt 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 night-time adviser for greater manchester. ., , .., might night-time adviser for greater manchester. ., , .. , might night-time 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 6-7 years' time. two finders itself in 6-7 years' time. two fingers on — itself in 6-7 years' time. two fingers on to _ itself in 6-7 years' time. two fingers up to the _ itself in 6-7 years' time. two fingers up to the north. - itself in 6-7 years' time. two i fingers up to the north. penny? itself in 6-7 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? let's plug _ but what we have said... is it? let's plug another— but what we have said... is it? let's plug another figure, - but what we have said... is it? let's plug another figure, who| let's 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 can't _ the last labour government and you still can't catch an hsz chain and you won't— still can't catch an hsz chain and you won't be able to until, at the very— you won't 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 aren't any benefits— long and there still aren't 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. that's 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 don't 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 don't. the so-called _ doing that. no, i don't. 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 don't 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 don't got, it is ridiculous. nikki, i dontthink— got, it is ridiculous. nikki, i don't think it _ got, it is ridiculous. nikki, i don't think it is _ got, it is ridiculous. nikki, i don't think it is a _ got, it is ridiculous. nikki, i don't think it is a national i don't 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 don't think the tickets— it was built. and i don't 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 wouldn't dream of going south. on holiday north. i wouldn't dream of going south-— on holiday north. i wouldn't 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 that's where the money needs to be _ south. so that's where the money needs to be spent. _ south. so that's where the money needs to be spent. that _ south. so that's 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? let's go to scotland. i am a _ manchester? let's go to scotland. i am a person— manchester? let's go to scotland. i am a person of vision, so it's no good _ am a person of vision, so it's 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 wouldn't have gone _ channel tunnel. you wouldn't 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 wouldn't build an extension— shut the door. you wouldn't build an extension and say, but i can't afford — extension and say, but i can't afford the _ extension and say, but i can't afford the roof, let's not bother. you know? — afford the roof, let's not bother. you know? build the chain, build the tracks. _ you know? build the chain, build the tracks. let's— you know? build the chain, build the tracks, let's go, britton. let�*s you know? build the chain, build the tracks, let's go, britton.— tracks, let's go, britton. let's go, britton. tracks, let's go, britton. let's go, britton- lan? _

tracks, let's go, britton. let's go, britton. ian? well, _ tracks, let's go, britton. let's go, britton. ian? well, i— tracks, let's go, britton. let's go, britton. ian? well, i hear- tracks, let's go, britton. let's go, britton. ian? well, i hear this, . tracks, let's go, britton. let's 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, let's to sylvia _ that goes really fast... right, let's to sylvia in _ that goes really fast... right, let's to sylvia in aberdeen. i

that goes really fast... right, i let's 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. i'm - scrapping of the train? yes, the scrapping of the train. i'm not i scrapping of the train. i'm not talking about this phone in! ie. scrapping of the train. i'm 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 don't - the midlands, obviously, and i go down south regular. i don't knowl down south regular. i don't know where _ down south regular. idon't know where they— down south regular. i don't know where they get _ down south regular. i don't know where they get the _ down south regular. i don't know where they get the figures - down south regular. i don't know where they get the figures froml down south regular. i don't 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 i've — train so i always have a guaranteed seat, but i've been— train so i always have a guaranteed seat, but i've been on— train so i always have a guaranteed seat, but i've been on the - train so i always have a guaranteed seat, but i've been on the chain i seat, but i've been on the chain when _ seat, but i've been on the chain when there _ seat, but i've been on the chain when there have _ seat, but i've been on the chain when there have been - seat, but i've been on the chain when there have been people i seat, but i've 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 it's _ are not being used? and the guy who was talking a fuel it's ago _ are not being used? and the guy who was talking a fuel it's ago who i are not being used? and the guy who was talking a fuel it's ago who said i was talking a fuel it's ago who said that it _ was talking a fuel it's ago who said that it was — was talking a fuel it's ago who said that it was dearer— was talking a fuel it's ago who said that it was dearer to _ was talking a fuel it's ago who said that it was dearer to go _ was talking a fuel it's ago who said that it was dearer to go by- was talking a fuel it's 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 can't solve that with a zoom call. it isjust we can't solve that with a zoom call. it is just crazy. we can't solve that with a zoom call. it isjust crazy. people we can't 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 won't 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 didn't 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 haven't got it in this country, we haven't 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? i’m places in person?" what do you think of that? �* ., , ., , places in person?" what do you think of that? �* ., , .,, , ., of that? i'm not sure he has been on a train recently _ of that? i'm not sure he has been on a train recently where _ of that? i'm not sure he has been on a train recently where you _ of that? i'm not sure he has been on a train recently where you can - a train recently where you can barely find a seat. it's 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 short-sighted decision. a populist decision. populist, _ short-sighted decision. a populist decision. populist, that's - decision. populist, that's interesting. i'm 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. it's 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 hasn't been managed terribly well by the comms people, has it? no, we've 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 hasn't got it. so far it's been an underwhelming conference, hs2 has been a big talking point, so has liz truss, tax. rishi sunak hasn't 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 it's what the pm says that midday today. i'm sure he has a few things up his sleeve. he will try and make a big bang this afternoon. it's feasible that if that goes well, by tomorrow we are all talking about something else but at the moment it doesn't feel like it's going that well to me. fine at the moment it doesn't feel like it's going that well to me.- it's going that well to me. one of the other highlight, _ it's going that well to me. one of the other highlight, by _ it's going that well to me. one of the other highlight, by the - it's going that well to me. one of the other highlight, by the by, i it's 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, hasn't it?— to do, hasn't it? yes, it's a hilarious — to do, hasn't it? yes, it's a hilarious video. _ to do, hasn't it? yes, it's a hilarious video. a - to do, hasn't it? yes, it's a hilarious video. a gb - to do, hasn't it? yes, it's a hilarious video. a gb newsj to do, hasn't it? yes, it's 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, it's 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 doesn't - happened up here. he was saying basically that he doesn't like - happened up here. he was sayingl basically that he doesn't like going to london. i basically that he doesn't like going to london. ., �* ., to london. i wouldn't agree with everything _ to london. i wouldn't agree with everything there. _ to london. i wouldn't agree with everything there. there - to london. i wouldn't agree with everything there. there are - to london. i wouldn't agree with l everything there. there are some amazing things in london. but the point i'm 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 we're 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 we've got? it's not just about us getting down there, it's vice versa as well.—

it's vice versa as well. 24-hour -a it's vice versa as well. 24-hour party peeple — it's vice versa as well. 24-hour party peeple and _ it's vice versa as well. 24-hour party people and all— it's vice versa as well. 24-hour party people and all that. - party people and all that. more to come. it's time i came to some of the texts, and i will in short order but right now let's 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 it's right to review the rail project because people's 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 year's 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. that's 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 arsenal's home premier league match against manchester city on sunday. he came off with a muscle problem during arsenal's 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 cavendish's 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 you'll get the latest coverage of national and international news. you're on the radio after 10am, we are talking about affairs. can you repair after an affair? there's a brand—new netflix documentary about david beckham's 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? let's 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 that'll be fascinating. that's after ten o'clock, can you repair an affair?

some news hot off the press, the cabinet will meet in manchester this morning ahead of the prime minister's party conference speech. speculation that would happen in the news this morning and that it would be a rubber—stamping of what he's going to say about hs2. if it is a u—turn it'll 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 isn't lost on anyone and is neverforgotten. i always knew it would never happen. that's

from sian in manchester. and another one, having lived in the upper midlands since 97, wild horses wouldn't 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. it's impossible now due to health issues. i don't drive, i need a reliable public transport sector. forget london, they've had to shed loads of funding, now it's our turn for to shed loads of funding, now it's ourturn forfunding. so, give it now to benefit all people north of birmingham. sue in derbyshire, thank you very much for that. it's a very important point and we've 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 isn't 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 it's _ cannot live for today only. maxine, i get it and it's a _ cannot live for today only. maxine, i get it and it's a source _ cannot live for today only. maxine, i get it and it's a source of - cannot live for today only. maxine, i get it and it's a source of great i i get it and it's a source of great pride and a source of proper national ambition, that's a line of argument coming through and you put it out on the radio very well. annie in newbrough, is rishi sunak right? yes, he's absolutely right. his predecessor didn't really have a business — predecessor didn't 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 can't until we can all communicate with each other easily _ all communicate with each other easily. and at the moment, it's all about— easily. and at the moment, it's all about linking straight to london. let's _ about linking straight to london. let's get — about linking straight to london.

let's get the communications links setup _ let's 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. it's— cheltenham. the train is always crowded, it's a _ cheltenham. the train is always crowded, it's a nightmare. - cheltenham. the train is always - crowded, it's a nightmare. sometimes he gets— crowded, it's a nightmare. sometimes he gets fed _ crowded, it's a nightmare. sometimes he gets fed up — crowded, it's a nightmare. sometimes he gets fed up and _ crowded, it's a nightmare. sometimes he gets fed up and stay _ crowded, it's a nightmare. sometimes he gets fed up and stay sober. - crowded, it's a nightmare. sometimes he gets fed up and stay sober. so, - crowded, it's 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 it's— manchester train all the edinburgh train. it's always _ manchester train all the edinburgh train. it's always chock—a—block, l train. it's always chock—a—block, ahsolutely — train. it's always chock—a—block, absolutely solid. _ train. it's always chock—a—block, absolutely solid. i— train. it's always chock—a—block, absolutely solid. i was _ train. it's always chock—a—block, absolutely solid. i was sitting. train. it's 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, it's not— just for some fresh air. i mean, it's not about _ just for some fresh air. i mean, it's not about the _ just for some fresh air. i mean, it's not about the speed, - just for some fresh air. i mean, it's not about the speed, it's i just for some fresh air. i mean, i it's not about the speed, it's about the capacity — it's not about the speed, it's about the capacity. you _ it's not about the speed, it's about the capacity. you know, _ it's not about the speed, it's about the capacity. you know, it's - it's not about the speed, it's about the capacity. you know, it's crazy. | the capacity. you know, it's crazy. the only— the capacity. you know, it's crazy. the only people _ the capacity. you know, it's crazy. the only people that _ the capacity. you know, it's crazy. the only people that can - the capacity. you know, it's crazy. the only people that can ever- the capacity. you know, it's 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 it's— seats on the disabled who sit in the spaces. it's dreadful. _ seats on the disabled who sit in the spaces. it's dreadful. you _ seats on the disabled who sit in the spaces. it's dreadful. you pay- seats on the disabled who sit in the spaces. it's dreadful. you pay all. spaces. it's dreadful. you pay all that money— spaces. it's dreadful. you pay all that money to _ spaces. it's dreadful. you pay all that money to stand _ spaces. it's dreadful. you pay all that money to stand up. - spaces. it's dreadful. you pay all that money to stand up.- spaces. it's 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 it's- again.“ she said it so crowded sometimes, you know, and it's so. sometimes, you know, and it's so awful— sometimes, you know, and it's so awful that — sometimes, you know, and it's so awful that she _ sometimes, you know, and it's so awful that she actually— sometimes, you know, and it's so awful that she actually gets - sometimes, you know, and it's so awful that she actually gets off. sometimes, you know, and it's 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 it's a very brave decision that rishi has made. yes, there are all things we would like to do and achieve but

unfortunately he's made this decision but it's 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 don't see any improvements on anything, then i think it's the end of his party. anything, then i think it's the end of his party-— of his party. that's quite something. _ of his party. that's quite something. somebody l of his party. that's quite i something. somebody said of his party. that's 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. we'll 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 it's been cancelled, that some money is going to be paid to upgrade the a66 at scotch corner and also the a1 into dual carriageway. you're on a few miles of dual carriageway and then all of a sudden, bang, you're 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 it's knocked back. notjust by this government but a history of governments have just said no, no, no. we'll do five miles at a time, ten miles at a time if you're lucky. ijust think at a time, ten miles at a time if you're lucky. i just think the money, hopefully today he'll announce that those two roads at least will get the money to improve them. because it's 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 doesn't 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 wasn't out of control? what went wrong? he design wasn't properly out of control? what went wrong? tte: design wasn't properly complete out of control? what went wrong? t'te: design wasn't properly complete at the start, especially euston. they didn't consider what was needed in manchester, the stations in manchester. they didn't 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 isn't. the reason is inflation, it isn't. 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 don't know but having said that, the costs are there because it's very expensive here to build railways. we live on a small, densely populated, property owning democratic island. people stick up for their rights. it's always been so. when i talk to people about the cost of building railways in this country, i quote from hansard from august 1920. it's always been the same. so, to conclude the answer, probably the root is the wrong route, it's 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 wasn't there external scrutiny? _ wrong route. why wasn't there external scrutiny? it _ wrong route. why wasn't there external scrutiny? it depends i wrong route. why wasn't 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 didn'tjust 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 it's 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 isn't 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. we've 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 that's taken and returned to its original owners. that would be interesting and if you're in that situation get in touch with us. wasn't that interesting? a lot of figures there from a man with a very big brain. let's go with cray, gerald and clarissa. we've got time for all of you. right decision? tia.

clarissa. we've got time for all of you. right decision?— you. right decision? no, it's a really bad _ you. right decision? no, it's a really bad decision. _ you. right decision? no, it's a really bad decision. h52 i you. right decision? no, it's a really bad decision. h52 is i you. right decision? no, it's a really bad decision. h52 is a i you. right decision? no, it's a. really bad decision. h52 is a hot really bad decision. hs2 is a hot topic where i live because it's the countryside around here that's 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 it's half the price.— it's half the price. that's an advance — it's half the price. that's an advance ticket? _ it's half the price. that's an advance ticket? that i it's half the price. that's an advance ticket? that was . it's half the price. that's anj advance ticket? that was in it's half the price. that's 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 it's _ advance ticket? that was in two weeks' time. but it's the - advance ticket? that was in two weeks' time. but it's the same l advance ticket? that was in two i weeks' time. but it's 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 it's a disgrace. b. roads lead here. i 'ust think it's a disurace. �* , ., roads lead here. i 'ust think it's a disgrace.i when i i roads lead here. i 'ust think it's 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, i'm 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. we'd 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 can't see how we're going to benefit in any way from it. he can't see how we're 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. we'll see what he says. the investment _ we'll see what he says. the investment that _ we'll see what he says. the investment that we - we'll see what he says. tte: investment that we need in we'll 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 it's been for generations as far as the national debt is concerned. the benefit it's going to bring, i really can't see much benefit arriving at a meeting 20 minutes early when we've 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 pro'ect. what about north — further and scrap the pro'ect. what about north wales i further and scrap the pro'ect. 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. it's a very pretty trip, it's 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 it's 50 mph. we've got two lanes, we've been talking about a relief road for years and that's always been something that's 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, that's 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. i'm 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 won't 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 europe's biggest infrastructure project - the high speed rail line connecting england's 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.