Budget 2016: HS3 train link from Manchester to Leeds gets green light

Jeremy Corbyn welcomes news, but says it is 'nowhere near' the investment needed

Osborne announced his support for HS3, following visits to Crewe Freight liner haul in November (PA)

The HS3 high-speed line from Manchester to Leeds has been given the green light as part of a £300m transport infrastructure package the Chancellor hopes will further his Northern Powerhouse plans.

George Osborne also said London’s Crossrail 2 scheme would be commissioned in a Budget Mayor Boris Johnson described as “fantastic”.

Jeremy Corbyn welcomed the news, but said it was “nowhere near” the investment needed. Leeds West Labour MP Rachel Reeves said the Chancellor had a “poor track record in delivering... for the Northern Poorhouse”.