Cancelling HS2 would send a "terrible signal" to the world about the UK's plans to recover from the pandemic and would have a "chilling impact" on investment, the Minister responsible for the scheme has warned.

High speed rail Minister Andrew Stephenson defended the controversial project linking London with the Midlands and North amid fears the Yorkshire leg of the scheme may not be delivered in full.

And giving evidence to the Commons Transport Committee, he said the fundamental case for the high speed rail scheme still stood despite the pandemic dramatically changing travel habits.

No more U-turns on HS2; it must come to Yorkshire – Tracy Brabin

Cancelling HS2 would send a terrible signal to the world, says high speed rail Minister Andrew Stephenson