(Photo: Jeff Overs/BBC via PA Media)
Michael Gove has said investment in HS2 could be reduced as a result of “mistakes” made by Liz Truss.
Speaking to Times Radio on Sunday, the leveling up secretary was asked whether the high-speed rail link connecting London to the West Midlands and the North could be cut.
“Ideally, we would not cut back on that long-term capital investment because it helps contribute to economic growth and greater opportunities,” he said.
“But when we face the particular economic problems we have right now, I’m sure some capital spending will be cut.
“As a result of different factors, including the mistakes that were made in the mini-budget, we have to make some decisions that will be painful.”
Louise Haig, Labour’s shadow transport secretary, said: “Have they learned nothing?
“The last twelve years of lack of investment in the infrastructure that our economy needs have slowed growth and impoverished our country. “Only the Labor Party has a plan to deliver long-term economic growth and stability.”
Ahead of their autumn budget, Rishi Sunak and chancellor Jeremy Hunt are considering up to £50bn in spending cuts and tax rises to fill a gaping black hole in the nation’s finances.
According to the Resolution Foundation think tank, this would mean that spending per person for departments such as transport, justice and local government would be reduced by around 9%.
It would come as their budgets remain below pre-austerity levels and are under significant pressure as inflation rises above 10%.
This article originally appeared on HuffPost UK and has been updated.
