The future of HS2's route to Crewe is in fresh doubt as compulsory purchase powers for Phase 2a of the project are set to expire in February 2026.

The I Paper reports the Government is expected to allow the land-acquisition powers to lapse on February 11, 2026, despite repeated assurances during 2025 an announcement on the northern stretch of HS2 was imminent.

Rishi Sunak cancelled the northern leg of HS2 to Manchester in October 2023, leaving only the Birmingham to London section progressing.

Business and political leaders have since urged the new Labour government to revive the route or bring forward alternative plans for the North.

The I Paper reports the Government is expected to allow the land-acquisition powers to lapse on February 11, 2026, despite repeated assurances during 2025 an announcement on the northern stretch of HS2 was imminent (Photo: HS2).

Chancellor Rachel Reeves did not set out any replacement scheme in her Budget, while reiterating Labour's commitment to Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR), without detailing funding or route specifics.

With Parliament entering its Christmas recess, fewer than 60 days remain for ministers to either begin construction north of Birmingham, extend the powers, or allow them to expire before the February 2026 deadline.

Although broader powers to construct and operate the line would remain in place for another five years, the loss of compulsory purchase authority would prevent further land acquisition, effectively ending the Crewe extension.

A spokesperson for the High Speed Rail Group said: "Allowing these land powers to lapse would lock in a permanent bottleneck north of Birmingham, the very problem HS2 was designed to solve, while making any future fix far more complex and significantly more expensive.

"Completing HS2 at a minimum from Euston to Crewe is the only way to secure real value for money, tackle this bottleneck and unlock the capacity and growth the project was intended to deliver.

Before Phase 2 was cancelled in 2023, the Government had already spent £900m on Phase 2a and was forecast to spend a further £500m over the following two years (Photo: Ryan Parker).

"The window for action is closing fast, so Ministers must act now or risk entrenching a permanent North-South divide and losing the opportunity to deliver desperately needed rail infrastructure that will create a more connected economy, stronger regional opportunities and long-term growth in the North."

Before Phase 2 was cancelled in 2023, the Government had already spent £900m on Phase 2a and was forecast to spend a further £500m over the following two years.

Around half of the land and property needed for the Birmingham-to-Crewe section has already been purchased, The i understands.

Crewe and Nantwich MP Connor Naismith, said: "Crucial compulsory purchase powers expire in February 2026 and I will be looking for the government to clarify its intentions for these powers.

"I strongly believe and will continue to make the case that HS2 should be extended to Crewe to realise the benefits of the project as originally intended.

Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, has called for a new Midlands-North West rail link via Crewe to replace HS2 (Photo: Ryan Parker).

"I also welcome the Government's commitment to building Northern Powerhouse Rail, but believe the Government must set out a broader strategy for linking north/South connections as well as East/West."

NPR proposals remain under review, with Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, calling for a new Midlands-North West rail link via Crewe to replace HS2.