Minister unable to say if HS2 will reach Manchester - but insists levelling up agenda 'steaming ahead'

Policing minister Chris Philp said there were "spades in the ground" and "track being laid" for the rail line.

But he said he did not know "exactly what is or is not being considered" Fresh doubts have been thrown over the future of HS2 after Downing Street refused to guarantee the high speed line will run to Manchester .