After reports of HS2 overspending and suffering considerable delays, transport secretary Mark Harper has confirmed further delays to the national rail project
In a written ministerial statement, Mr Harper insisted the Government was “committed” to delivering HS2 services into Euston, but confirmed further delays as ministers “take the time to ensure we have an affordable and deliverable station design”.
He reiterated that the Government is “committed” to delivering the high-speed rail link between Birmingham and Crewe.
The HS2 delays are intended to spread costs over a longer period
Parts of the planned line between Birmingham, Crewe and Manchester will be “rephased” by two years.
These delays would push the opening of the Crewe line back to 2036, and Manchester to 2043.
Critics have long argued that the cost of HS2 has already ballooned past expectations and faces continual delays.
Notably, Conservative MP Simon Clarke said he had “serious doubts as to value for money and cost control” on HS2 after reviewing it at the Treasury.
But the Department of Transport remained optimistic on Thursday, with a spokesperson asserting that “Spades are already in the ground on the HS2 project and we remain committed to building the line from Euston to Manchester.”
Some argue that delays now are necessary to reap later rewards
Jonathan Spruce, ICE trustee for policy and external affairs said:
“Public infrastructure projects like HS2 are critical for economic growth, and meeting levelling up and net zero goals. They are an investment in our future, not a cost.
“The UK needs to think strategically about what we want our transport system to deliver. In the longer term, a national transport strategy, with a clear investment plan, would help ensure that the country gets the transport infrastructure it needs; reliable ways to get where we need to go, in a way that’s better for the planet.”
But cutting costs now may delay promised social and economic benefits
Stephen Marcos Jones, CEO of the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE), said: “Today’s news on HS2 is potentially a real body blow for the UK’s economic recovery. I think every sensible person knows that global events have driven inflationary pressures to record highs.
“But we have already spent significant sums on the design and delivery of this transformational major project. Scaling back ambitions at this stage will mean the economic and social benefits of HS2 for communities across the UK is further watered down – and major delays like this are actually going to cost more in the longer term.
“In a nutshell, the delays announced today are, quite simply, an absolutely false economy.”
