In a surprising turn of events, the government has declined to assure the continuation of the HS2 rail line project, which is expected to connect Birmingham and Manchester. Instead, a spokesperson from Downing Street indicated that the Ministerial team must weigh the needs and concerns of both the passengers and the taxpayers, maintaining an ideal balance.
Key political figures including Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt convened recently to delve into the matter of the HS2 project. It surfaced that their apprehensions primarily revolve around the escalating expenses and accumulating delays that mar the project’s progress.
According to the Prime Minister’s official representative, substantial groundwork has already been undertaken on the HS2 project, maintaining that their primary objective is delivery. Yet, despite queries over Mr Sunak’s assurance to extend the line up to Manchester, the spokesperson failed to confirm. Instead, they pivoted, asserting the government’s unwavering commitment to the HS2 project, leaving room for conjecture on possible delays.
This ambiguity from No.10 has sparked renewed doubt about the future of the project, particularly after The Independent recently published a photograph with outlined “savings” associated with each part of the initiative north of Birmingham.
Directly affected by this potential setback, Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, questioned the justice of making the North of England bear the brunt of these cutbacks. According to him, such a measure would leave the North with outdated, ineffective infrastructure, while the South enjoys the benefits of a high-speed, modern rail network.
The HS2 project has turned into an emblem for the government’s scheme to ‘level up’ social and economic disparities across different regions. However, issues arose earlier this year when the costs surrounding the HS2 project overshoot its original budget of £33bn, set a decade ago. This increase led to the delay in starting a new station at London Euston and the postponement of the Birmingham-Crewe section to spread expenses.
The initiatory plan for HS2 envisioned routes between London and Birmingham, eventually diverging into two segments: Manchester and Leeds. However, the eastern leg from Birmingham to Leeds was curtailed two years ago, restricting the new line to the East Midlands.
The spokesperson for the High Speed Rail Group expressed vehement dissent against the idea of scrapping the second phase, terming it a “disaster” for the North of England and the Midlands. He insisted that it is incumbent on the government to quash these speculations, affirm their dedication to the project, and provide assurance to the 30,000 individuals involved with HS2 and the future generations the project is designed to benefit.
