The transport schemes in the North which could benefit if HS2 is scrapped

Scrapping the HS2 high speed rail line could pay for dramatic improvements to the A1 all the way from Durham to Edinburgh, according to campaigners.

The road could become a dual carriageway - and possibly a fully-fledged motorway - along a 140-mile stretch, improving transport links between the North East and Scotland.

That’s the claim in a new report launched by former Cabinet Minister David Davis.

And it’s just one of a number of improvements to road and rail services across the country that could go ahead if HS2 is scrapped, according to the report’s authors.

Mr Davis, a former Brexit Secretary, said: “Together, the projects would bridge the divide between North and South, boost economic growth, improve capacity in our transport networks and provide a better service to passengers.

"What’s more, all proposals combined could be delivered quicker and cheaper than HS2.