Daniel Zeichner MP on Wednesday 12 February quizzed Boris Johnson at PMQs on the rumoured cancellation of the massive new road linking Oxford and Cambridge, cutting through environmentally sensitive areas.

While there have been nudges, winks and speculation fuelled by comments by Tory MPs about the cancellation, no government minster has given an official confirmation about the status of the road building scheme which Labour has long opposed.

Mr Zeichner says: “If the controversial, polluting Expressway road is cancelled, then good. Massive new road-building is exactly the wrong approach when we face a climate crisis. But what is the secrecy all about?”

The Prime Minister suggested an announcement could be made in the budget.

Mr Zeichner continued: “Why can’t the Prime Minister just stand up and say they got it wrong, so now they are cancelling the scheme. Then we can all move on to the important issue of ensuring the East-West rail link is electrified, and brought in on time and on budget alongside more investment in other rail improvements, buses and cycling.”