THE government was accused of letting down northern cities today following the announcement that HS2 will be delayed and exceed its budget by up to £22 billion.

HS2 Ltd chairman Allan Cook admitted the company’s original plans did not “take sufficient account” of the difficulties of building a high-speed line through densely populated areas.

He said that the project’s budget was “unrealistic,” adding that the original projected cost of £55.7bn may now have to be raised to £78bn.