Whether HS2 will indeed continue through Birmingham to Manchester remains a mystery, with prime minister Rishi Sunak giving little away about the fate of the rail project.
As speculation builds that the high-speed rail project could face further cuts, Sunak took to BBC radio in an attempt to address the growing rumours.
"I know there’s a lot of speculation on HS2,” he said on Tuesday morning.
“All I would say is the way I approach this job, I take a look at the facts, I take my time to get the decision right on behalf of the country - whatever it might be.”
Given billions of pounds hang in the balance, Sunak suggested reflection was needed as the line’s estimated price tag continues to rise above expectations.
“I’m not going to be forced into a premature decision,” he continued, “this is an enormous amount of people’s money.
“What people would expect from me is to take the time, to go over it properly and make sure we make the right long-term decision for the country.”
HS2, which had originally been pitched as a link from London to Birmingham and then onwards to Leeds and Manchester, could cost in excess of £90 billion as it stands, according to some estimates.
This is far above 2009’s original projection of £37.5 billion, made before delays began adding years on to the project’s timeline and 2021's scrapping of the Leeds leg.
Contractors working on the site have already slated handling of the project, with Mace Group boss Mark Reynolds complaining about being left out of the loop last week, despite his firm leading redevelopment of Euston Station for the line’s terminal in London.
He added on Wednesday that scrapping the Manchester link would “undermine investment in the UK”, as foreign investors are deterred by the government’s indecision.
As conservative members meet in Manchester for their party’s conference, Sunak’s refusal to confirm the project’s fate seems to have taken precedence, meanwhile.
According to local publications, Sunak’s final-day speech at the conference could bring more clarity on the project, though whether this actually happens remains up in the air.