Chancellor George Osborne is expected to say that a high speed rail link connecting Manchester and Leeds is vital to creating a “northern powerhouse” to rival London. In a speech in Manchester, Mr Osborne is expected to say that the north of England needs a stronger economy in the north of the country, which the potential expansion of the HS2 rail link would provide.

The current route between London and Birmingham has met with controversy over its cost and many residents being affected.