HS2 set to get go-ahead despite spiralling costs as Sajid Javid and Boris Johnson back it
2 min read
Boris Johnson and Sajid Javid are set to give the green light to HS2 despite the project's spiralling costs.
The pair will meet with Transport Secretary Grant Shapps on Thursday to assess the latest forecasts on the multi-billion pound scheme.
Although no final decision will be taken on whether to give HS2 the go-ahead, it is expected to pave the way for the Prime Minister making a major announcement on the project's future next week.
A report commissioned by the Government is expected to predict that there is "considerable risk" that the final cost of HS2 could hit £102bn, 20% more than the budget of £81-88bn set out last year.
But according to the Financial Times, Mr Javid has reached the conclusion that there is no alternative to proceeding with the scheme if the Government is to meet its pledge to improve transport links in the Midlands and the north.
However, his support is believed to rest on tighter budget controls over later phases of the plan to prevent further increases in cost.
Meanwhile, The Times reports that Mr Johnson is also convinced that the project must go ahead - despite opposition from his top aide, Dominic Cummings.
One source told the paper: "We don’t want to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Yes, there are significant issues with the cost but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t go ahead."
The first phase of the line connecting Birmingham and London is scheduled to open in 2026, with a second phase reaching Leeds and Manchester set to be completed by 2033.
HS2 remains a controversial venture among MPs, with many calling for the project to be scrapped in favour of local infrastructure initiatives.
Last week a group of Tories, including newly-elected MPs Dehenna Davison and James Grundy, released a video arguing that the plan should be cancelled.
But Andy Street, the Conservative Mayor of the West Midlands, has called HS2 “a once in a generation game-changing investment” that must go ahead.
PoliticsHome Newsletters
PoliticsHome provides the most comprehensive coverage of UK politics anywhere on the web, offering high quality original reporting and analysis: Subscribe
