<h2 class="wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper">What's happening? </h2>

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stands up to make a speech to one of the proudest cities in England.

What does Sunak have to say to the great northern city of ManchesterEngland's second city, with a population of 2.8 million in its metropolitan area. It was an important industrial centre during the Industrial Revolution.?

Sorry, he says, but no trains for you!

For more than 10 years, there has been a plan to build a high speed rail line to Manchester. Billions of pounds have already been spent. Now, Sunak says the HS2 line will end in Birmingham.

Many in the north of England are angry. It is not just about train lines. The line was supposed to create jobs in northern cities and make railway journeys shorter.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper">Find out more</h2>

Some think that England's politicians are once again thinking of the needs of the South East, where England's capital city London is, instead of the needs of the North.

There has been a divide between northern and southern England for a long time. Many areas of the North are poorer than areas in the South.

But now expertsSomeone who knows a lot about a particular subject. say the divide is growing, not shrinking.

The South East is home to just one third of the UK population, but 42% of its wealthHaving lots of money or things. .

Others argue that it is very normal for countries to have richer areas and poorer areas. Italy also has a North-South divide - but the North is the richer area. In the USA, some of the poorest cities are found in an area called the rust beltA region of the USA, known for manufacturing, steelmaking and coal, that saw economic decline from the 1950s. It includes a large part of the Midwest. .

Yes! Experts say the divide is getting worse, not better. Britain's leaders must do more to bring money and key services to the north of England.

No! The divide is not getting bigger. The whole of the UK is struggling at the moment. Almost every area is seeing less money spent on it than before.

Manchester - England's second city, with a population of 2.8 million in its metropolitan area. It was an important industrial centre during the Industrial Revolution.

Experts - Someone who knows a lot about a particular subject.

Wealth - Having lots of money or things.

Rust belt - A region of the USA, known for manufacturing, steelmaking and coal, that saw economic decline from the 1950s. It includes a large part of the Midwest.