Prime Minister in waiting, Andy Burnham, has pledged to revive the cancelled northern leg of HS2, potentially restoring Crewe's role at the heart of Britain's high-speed rail network.

Speaking in an interview with The i, Burnham said he "would revive HS2" between Birmingham and Manchester, despite Keir Starmer's Labour Government ruling out reinstating the original northern sections of the railway.

The proposals would once again put Crewe on the route between Birmingham and Manchester, reviving plans that were scrapped by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in October 2023.

Sunak cancelled the northern leg of HS2, including the Birmingham to Manchester route via Crewe, after projected costs rose from an original £56 billion to around £100 billion.

Burnham said he would fund the railway using a Crossrail-style funding package, with costs shared between central government, local authorities and private sector investment through contributions from businesses and property owners who benefit from the scheme.

The proposal would be significant for Crewe, which had been earmarked as one of the UK's key HS2 hubs under the original plans.

Andy Burnham said he would fund the HS2 railway using a Crossrail-style funding package (Photo: HS2).

The high-speed railway was expected to improve connectivity between Crewe, Birmingham and Manchester while freeing up capacity on the existing West Coast Main Line for more local passenger services and freight.

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Supporters have long argued that reinstating the route would strengthen Crewe's position as one of Britain's most important rail interchanges, supporting investment, jobs and economic growth across Cheshire East.

Burnham's comments have been welcomed by High Speed Rail Group chair Huw Merriman, who said a new railway between Birmingham and Manchester remains a national priority.

He said: "It is very encouraging to hear Andy Burnham continuing to advocate for a new railway between Birmingham and Manchester, a priority that has rightly remained on the Government's agenda.

"The need for the route is no less pressing today than when HS2 was first announced.

"A new connection between Birmingham and Manchester will add transport capacity to and from the North, while also helping to deliver the Government's ambition of a more balanced UK economy.

"To maximise those benefits, planning for the next phase should begin in good time, as experience shows that successful infrastructure projects are built on long-term planning and certainty.

"HS2 was never intended to be a standalone railway. Its greatest value will be realised as part of a wider national network, connecting cities, unlocking capacity for passengers and freight, and supporting growth across the country."

READ MORE: Family-run Crewe eatery awarded 'Best Takeaway' in Cheshire for 2026.

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