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Metro
18-06-2025
- Business
- Metro
HS2 is delayed again - here's how much it is over budget
HS2 has come under more fire today after the Government is set to confirm that the billion-pound scheme will be delayed once again. The railway line, which was originally set out to provide quicker and better transport links between the south and north of England, has been marred by delays, the cancellation of its northern leg and ballooning costs. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is expected to tell Parliament later today there is 'no reasonable way to deliver' the delayed high-speed railway by 2033 and within budget. She will say she is drawing a 'line in the sand' on HS2 over 'constant scope changes, ineffective construct and bad management'. Matthew Pennycook, the housing and planning minister, said there are 'serious problems' with HS2 and it had made Britain 'an international laughing stock' and the Government is 'determined to turn that around.' Meanwhile, HS2 Ltd and its contractor Balfour Beatty Vinci have referred two of its sub contractors to the HMRC over fraud allegations. The companies allegedly hired employees working on the West Midland leg at inflated rates, according to The I Paper. Now, Alexander is set to announce two fresh reviews into the scheme which will scrutinise HS2 in an attempt to reset the ill-fated project. The first will be delivered by HS2 CEO Mark Wild, while the second review focuses on HS2's behind-the-scenes governance and accountability to decipher what has gone wrong and what can be learned so that the same mistakes can be avoided with future projects, including Labour's Northern Powerhouse Rail. HS2 Ltd, the government-owned company building the railway, estimated in June last year that the delayed project would cost between £54 billion and £66 billion. However, four months ago, MPs warned costs could reach £80 billion. HS2 will run from Euston through Old Oak Common in west London to West Midlands. New stations will be built in Solihull, near Birmingham International Airport, and at Birmingham Curzon Street. HS2 was meant to run to Manchester and Leeds, but in 2023 the Conservative government axed the northern leg due to spiralling costs, much to the dismay of Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham who called the move 'profoundly depressing.' For years, uncertainty surrounded the extension of HS2 from Old Oak Common to Euston. But in October last year, an extension was confirmed in the autumn budget, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves stating the government was 'committing the funding required' to begin tunnelling work at Euston station. Plans are now being drawn up by the government for the works, which are suggested to create HS2 and National Rail services under a single concourse rather than create two separate stations for high speed and standard rail. The first phase was initially due to launch by the end of 2026. Now the opening date has been pushed back, and is estimated to be between 2026 and 2033. The HS2 was given the green light to start in 2012 but construction did not begin until 2020. HS2 has purchased more than 1,000 homes, farms and land along the route to make way for the tracks. Residents who spoke to Metro previously said they were surprised at the speed in which the steel frame in the backdrop has been thrown up, but did not join in the derision that the massively delayed and over-budget infrastructure project has attracted. The National Audit Office warned in 2016 that the project was at risk of delays and exceeding its budget. But former Prime Minister Boris Johnson recommitted to the project in 2020 following another review. Leading politicians have now minced their words when it comes to HS2. Speaking to LBC, Matthew Pennicook, said: 'Because I think, frankly, when it comes to HS2, in some ways, we're a bit of a laughing stock around the world in terms of how we handle infrastructure. As a Government, we're absolutely determined to turn that around.' In a more scathing attack, Lord Tony Berkely said the project should still be stopped after 'chaos.' The Labour peer said: 'Rishi Sunak, after all, cancelled it 18 months ago. That was the previous government but everybody in HS2 seems to have ignored it and the Government's ignored it by continuing to pour money down it when they should have stopped 18 months ago and they should still stop today. 'They've wasted billions already. 'I think that the first thing to do is to stop digging when you don't know what you're doing and where it's going to end up, and I would put HS2 into administration. Let the administrators sort it out and then take a clear, simple look at what they want to achieve and get it done in a much more cost effective way.' The ticket costs could change wildly by the time the HS2 opens, but they are expected to be pricier than a standard rail fare. More Trending HS2 tickets could cost up to 30% more than standard rail travel, previous estimates show, but there are no official figures yet. The higher cost is likely to absorb some of the construction costs and factor in faster journey times. Inflation at the time of opening will also affect prices and whether the HS2 accepts railcards. A spokesperson for HS2 Ltd said: 'We treat all whistleblower allegations seriously and are continuing to conduct our own investigation. Furthermore, HS2 Ltd has formally reported the allegations to HMRC, and we encourage anyone who believes they may have relevant information, which could support our enquiries, to report it in confidence via HS2's Speak Out channels.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Another e-bike brand is set to launch in London this summer MORE: Traffic delays on M25 after multi-vehicle crash MORE: More than 600 EasyJet cabin crew to walk out causing chaos for thousands of holidaymakers
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The Independent
18-06-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Is HS2 still worth completing, or is it just a £66bn mistake? Join The Independent Debate
With the cost of Britain's flagship high-speed rail project soaring past £66 billion and its opening delayed yet again – this time well beyond 2033 – serious questions are being raised about the future of HS2, and what, if anything, should be salvaged. What was once promised as a transformational national infrastructure project linking London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds has been continuously scaled back, plagued by spiralling budgets, environmental controversies, governance failures and now, fresh allegations of fraud. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is set to confirm to Parliament this week that the project will be delayed indefinitely, conceding there is 'no reasonable way to deliver' HS2 on time or within budget. Two independent reviews are due to be published imminently, one focusing on the London-Birmingham section still under construction, the other investigating the leadership and decision-making behind the project's troubled path. Ms Alexander says this is about drawing 'a line in the sand' and moving forward with lessons learned for future schemes like Northern Powerhouse Rail and the Lower Thames Crossing. But the question remains: what should become of HS2? Some argue that completing the full route as originally envisioned is the only way to realise its benefits and justify the money already spent. Meanwhile, others believe it's time to stop the funding tap and either halt the project entirely or limit it to the part that's already furthest along, from London to Birmingham. Now we want to know where you stand. Should HS2 be finished in full or scaled back? Or do you think it should be scrapped entirely? Share your thoughts in the comments and vote in the poll above – we'll feature the most compelling responses and discuss the results in the coming days. All you have to do is sign up and register your details – then you can take part in the debate. You can also sign up by clicking 'log in' on the top right-hand corner of the screen.
The Herald Scotland
18-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
HS2 opening to be delayed beyond 2033
The project has already suffered repeated delays and soaring costs despite being scaled back. Ms Alexander will tell the Commons she is drawing a 'line in the sand' over the beleaguered rail project, as the Government attempts to reset how the UK delivers major infrastructure. The Government intends to learn from the mistakes of HS2 so that they do a better job when it comes to projects like Northern Powerhouse Rail and the Lower Thames Crossing, it is understood. Housing and planning minister Matthew Pennycook said there were 'serious problems' with HS2 'in terms of accountability, project overruns, costs'. He told LBC the Planning and Infrastructure Bill includes a number of changes that will 'speed up the consenting process for nationally significant infrastructure'. He said: 'Frankly, when it comes to HS2, in some ways we're a bit of a laughing stock around the world in terms of how we handle infrastructure. 'As a Government, we're absolutely determined to turn that around.' The result of two reviews into HS2 are expected to be announced alongside the Transport Secretary's statement. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is expected to announce the move on Wednesday (James Manning/PA) The first of these is an interim report by Mark Wild, the chief executive of HS2 Ltd, who was appointed late last year. He will assess the construction of the project from London to Birmingham. A second, wider review into the governance and accountability of HS2 Ltd, led by James Stewart, will also report back. This is expected to set out what has gone wrong with the project, and what ministers can learn for future infrastructure projects. The Transport Secretary is also expected to address allegations of fraud by contractors to HS2 Ltd which have emerged recently. Earlier this week, it emerged HS2 Ltd reported a sub-contractor working on the rail line to HMRC following an internal probe. During the statement, Ms Alexander is set to announce a new chair of HS2 Ltd. The current chair, Sir Jon Thompson, previously announced he would stand down in the spring of this year. Work is continuing on the HS2 project (Ben Whitley/PA) His replacement will be Mike Brown, according to The Daily Telegraph newspaper. Mr Brown is the former commissioner for Transport for London, who helped to oversee the delivery of Crossrail, the transport project which became London's Elizabeth line. HS2 was originally due to run between London and Birmingham, then onto Manchester and Leeds, but the project was severely curtailed by the Conservatives in power because of spiralling costs. The first phase was initially planned to open by the end of 2026, but this was pushed back to between 2029 and 2033. In 2013, HS2 was estimated to cost £37.5 billion (at 2009 prices) for the entire planned network, including the now-scrapped extensions from Birmingham. In June last year, HS2 Ltd assessed the cost for the line between London and Birmingham would be up to £66 billion. Concerns about the costs of the stunted project have persisted. Revelations in November last year that HS2 Ltd spent £100 million on a bat tunnel aimed at mitigating the railway's environmental impact stunned Westminster, and were singled out by Sir Keir Starmer for criticism.
South Wales Argus
18-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
HS2 opening to be delayed beyond 2033
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is expected to tell Parliament on Wednesday afternoon there is 'no reasonable way to deliver' the high-speed railway on schedule and within budget. The project has already suffered repeated delays and soaring costs despite being scaled back. Ms Alexander will tell the Commons she is drawing a 'line in the sand' over the beleaguered rail project, as the Government attempts to reset how the UK delivers major infrastructure. Ministers plan to learn from the mistakes of HS2 so that they do a better job when it comes to projects like Northern Powerhouse Rail and the Lower Thames Crossing, it is understood. 'HS2 has made Britain a laughing stock in terms of its ability to deliver big infrastructure projects, and it has to end,' a Government source told the PA news agency. 'This will set out the way we will do that.' The result of two reviews into HS2 are expected to be announced alongside the Transport Secretary's statement. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is expected to announce the move on Wednesday (James Manning/PA) The first of these is an interim report by Mark Wild, the chief executive of HS2 Ltd, who was appointed late last year. He will assess the construction of the project from London to Birmingham. A second, wider review into the governance and accountability of HS2 Ltd, led by James Stewart, will also report back. This is expected to set out what has gone wrong with the project, and what ministers can learn for future infrastructure projects. The Transport Secretary is also expected to address allegations of fraud by contractors to HS2 Ltd which have emerged recently. Earlier this week, it emerged HS2 Ltd reported a sub-contractor working on the rail line to HMRC following an internal probe. During the statement, Ms Alexander is set to announce a new chair of HS2 Ltd. The current chair, Sir Jon Thompson, previously announced he would stand down in the spring of this year. Work is continuing on the HS2 project (Ben Whitley/PA) His replacement will be Mike Brown, according to The Daily Telegraph newspaper. Mr Brown is the former commissioner for Transport for London, who helped to oversee the delivery of Crossrail, the transport project which became London's Elizabeth line. HS2 was originally due to run between London and Birmingham, then onto Manchester and Leeds, but the project was severely curtailed by the Conservatives in power because of spiralling costs. The first phase was initially planned to open by the end of 2026, but this was pushed back to between 2029 and 2033. In 2013, HS2 was estimated to cost £37.5 billion (at 2009 prices) for the entire planned network, including the now-scrapped extensions from Birmingham. In June last year, HS2 Ltd assessed the cost for the line between London and Birmingham would be up to £66 billion. Concerns about the costs of the stunted project have persisted. Revelations in November last year that HS2 Ltd spent £100 million on a bat tunnel aimed at mitigating the railway's environmental impact stunned Westminster, and were singled out by Sir Keir Starmer for criticism.
South Wales Guardian
18-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
HS2 opening to be delayed beyond 2033
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is expected to tell Parliament on Wednesday afternoon there is 'no reasonable way to deliver' the high-speed railway on schedule and within budget. The project has already suffered repeated delays and soaring costs despite being scaled back. Ms Alexander will tell the Commons she is drawing a 'line in the sand' over the beleaguered rail project, as the Government attempts to reset how the UK delivers major infrastructure. Ministers plan to learn from the mistakes of HS2 so that they do a better job when it comes to projects like Northern Powerhouse Rail and the Lower Thames Crossing, it is understood. 'HS2 has made Britain a laughing stock in terms of its ability to deliver big infrastructure projects, and it has to end,' a Government source told the PA news agency. 'This will set out the way we will do that.' The result of two reviews into HS2 are expected to be announced alongside the Transport Secretary's statement. The first of these is an interim report by Mark Wild, the chief executive of HS2 Ltd, who was appointed late last year. He will assess the construction of the project from London to Birmingham. A second, wider review into the governance and accountability of HS2 Ltd, led by James Stewart, will also report back. This is expected to set out what has gone wrong with the project, and what ministers can learn for future infrastructure projects. The Transport Secretary is also expected to address allegations of fraud by contractors to HS2 Ltd which have emerged recently. Earlier this week, it emerged HS2 Ltd reported a sub-contractor working on the rail line to HMRC following an internal probe. During the statement, Ms Alexander is set to announce a new chair of HS2 Ltd. The current chair, Sir Jon Thompson, previously announced he would stand down in the spring of this year. His replacement will be Mike Brown, according to The Daily Telegraph newspaper. Mr Brown is the former commissioner for Transport for London, who helped to oversee the delivery of Crossrail, the transport project which became London's Elizabeth line. HS2 was originally due to run between London and Birmingham, then onto Manchester and Leeds, but the project was severely curtailed by the Conservatives in power because of spiralling costs. The first phase was initially planned to open by the end of 2026, but this was pushed back to between 2029 and 2033. In 2013, HS2 was estimated to cost £37.5 billion (at 2009 prices) for the entire planned network, including the now-scrapped extensions from Birmingham. In June last year, HS2 Ltd assessed the cost for the line between London and Birmingham would be up to £66 billion. Concerns about the costs of the stunted project have persisted. Revelations in November last year that HS2 Ltd spent £100 million on a bat tunnel aimed at mitigating the railway's environmental impact stunned Westminster, and were singled out by Sir Keir Starmer for criticism.
