Rishi Sunak scrapped A-levels, axed the Birmingham to Manchester leg of HS2 and unveiled an effective ban on smoking for young people as he used his Tory conference speech to set the stage for the next general election.

Telegraph readers shared mixed reactions to the speech, with some praising the Prime Minister for taking the courageous decision to scrap the rest of HS2. Others condemned the Prime Minister’s proposal to raise the cigarette buying age and his inaction on what they deem more important policies, such as illegal immigration, taxation and net zero.

Here’s what Telegraph readers had to say:

John Keats: “An absolutely sensational speech Rishi, and those North Yorkshire folk were spot on judging you by your character as most blunt but honest northerners will do.

“You said virtually everything I wanted to hear, but you must now deliver. This is where the party has failed for a decade. I sincerely hope you do.”

Elizabeth Kirkby: “Finally, he has got one thing right. HS2 should never have made it past the drafting stage. There was never any need or justification of any kind for it. Now, Mr Sunak – pull your finger out and get on with scrapping at least half of the civil service and NHS management structures, as well as dealing with illegal immigration. There is no more time for delay, prevarication or hesitation. Action speaks far louder than words.”

Charles Wilson: “Delighted that Sunak has cancelled HS2 northern leg. Politicians love vanity projects, never the nitty gritty. The north needs interconnectivity not another line increasing the sphere of influence of London. The UK can’t do infrastructure sensibly, so better to stop any more large scale infrastructure until the process and structure governing it is overhauled.”

William Tell: “The Conservatives are on their way back to making a close fight of the next general election.

“HS2 – the absolutely correct and courageous decision. More action is needed on pushing back net-zero and how about a promised referendum on climate change and net zero in the Tory manifesto to put this fallacious and impoverishing energy strategy to bed, one way or the other? Immigration - more action, not platitudes, is needed on this contentious issue and who knows, we could well have a rerun of the 1992 general election.”

Francesca Skinner: “I actually think banning cigarettes for under 18-year-olds is a good policy. It should also be accompanied by zero tolerance on drugs.”