But the mayor says he is still fully behind the project, adding that he hopes the upcoming review into
HS2 can 'get a grip on the costs and the timeline.'.
The Northern Powerhouse has constantly stated that both
HS2 and the North's own "wish list" of transport projects must happen.
Street's whole regeneration and growth strategy for the West Midlands disintegrates if
HS2 is delayed and cut back - let alone cancelled.
Until recently, ministers and
HS2 bosses have insisted the project would be completed for PS55.7 billion.
Nigel Farage and the Brexit Party have said they will scrap
HS2, promising to spend the 'saving' many times over on Brexit fantasies; and Johnson is never knowingly outbid in that department.
Transport secretary Grant Shapps said the review would be overseen by former
HS2 chair Douglas Oakervee and prominent
HS2 critic Lord Berkeley, who would advise the government as to whether it should press ahead with the railway that will boost links between London and the north of England.
Speaking to the Birmingham Post, he said: "My gentle advice to anyone wanting to be Prime Minister is, before you take a decision to cancel
HS2, just have a conversation with business and political leaders in the cities in the North and Midlands, and you may find it's not quite such a good idea."
Without discussion,
HS2's prospectus "High Speed Rail" (Cm7827) belittles (para 4.31) Manchester Victoria station.
Yesterday
HS2 chief executive Mark Thurston met directors of two Flintshire companies involved in the rail project.
They want to divert the money set aside for
HS2 into a new north/ south London Crossrail project.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury Liz Truss has already expressed concern
HS2 salaries are too high.