A FRESH row blew up over £32bn high-speed rail plans yesterday, when the Government was accused of watering down a commitment to build the line to the edge of Liverpool.

Labour questioned why a promised “Hybrid Bill” would only adopt the legal and planning powers for the first stage of the planned 225mph line – from London to Birmingham.

In contrast, the "core network" – promised by Labour at the last election – would have granted powers to run high-speed trains to Manchester and Leeds in one piece of legislation, the party said.

Trains would slow to conventional speed just south of Manchester, but would still slash London-Liverpool journey times from 2hrs 10mins to 1hr 37mins.

Attacking the change, Maria Eagle, Labour's transport spokeswoman, said: "This casts real doubt on the Tory-led Government's long-term commitment to delivering high-speed rail in the North."

But Transport Secretary Philip Hammond accused Ms Eagle of "playing silly games", insisting a bigger Bill would jeopardise his intention for it to become law in this Parliament.

Under a “hybrid Bill”, anyone along the route of the line can object – which would mean many more potential objectors if legal powers are adopted all the way to Manchester and Leeds.

Mr Hammond said: "The coalition Government is absolutely committed to building a national high-speed rail network to Manchester and Leeds. What Maria Eagle is proposing is nothing more than a wrecking amendment." The clash comes after Ms Eagle last month threw doubt on Labour's commitment to high-speed, revealing she would consider cheaper ways to tackle overcrowding and cut journey times.