The government still intends to endeavour to end the decades old economic gap between the north and the south through billions of pounds of investment in rail development. 

This is according to transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin, who reasserted the government's continued commitment to both HS2 and the Northern Powerhouse projects during a speech to northern and midland leaders in Leeds yesterday (June 1st). 

An estimated £13 billion of funding will be invested to transform transport infrastructure in the north over the next five years. 

It is hoped this will serve to ensure regions are better connected, so that northern towns and cities can more effectively pool their strengths. 

"Nothing is more important to this government than a healthy economy which benefits all working people. It means rebalancing our economy and building the Northern Powerhouse," Mr McLoughlin commented. 

He added that no time will be wasted in starting this work, which could transform the north into a more unified economy.