Mary Robinson, MP for Cheadle, has opened a public consultation on transport in the north, following reports that the HS2 line to Manchester could be scrapped. 

The consultation asks residents their opinion on 'northern connectivity' and HS2. Respondents are asked to rank to what extent they oppose HS2, and are also provided with a text box to give more detailed feedback. 

Mary Robinson said: "Our region must have improved connectivity both to our capital and with a northern powerhouse rail connecting our cities across the north. 

"Our country will only truly be levelled up with a connected northern region reaching its full potential."

Addressing Richard Holden MP, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Roads and Local Transport, the Cheadle MP added: "I would urge my honourable friend to consider the importance of northern infrastructure commitments to business across the region."

It comes as Ms Robinson spoke in Parliament against scrapping HS2. "Uncertainty around phase 2 is unhelpful", she said. Prime minister Rishi Sunak and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt have remained tight-lipped on HS2's future.

The Independent reports that scrapping the project could save £34bn, an estimate which comes from a cost report seen by the newspaper. However, the £2.3bn invested thus far would not be recoverable even if the project was cancelled. 

It comes as the Infrastructure and Projects Authority - a government watchdog - concluded in July that phase two was 'unachievable'. 

The project has suffered from delays and spiralling costs, as well as widespread criticism on the effects HS2 would have on existing services.

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