Minister will make ‘go, no-go’ decision on HS2 in December
Transport secretary Grant Shapps has he will make a “go, no-go” decision on controversial high-speed rail project HS2 in December after a government-ordered review.
Speaking to MPs today Shapps said that the review will look at HS2’s affordability, deliver ability, benefits, scope and phasing.
Read more: HS2 needs a radical rethink to give Britain better connectivity
The project plans to connect London and Birmingham with Manchester and Leeds. It would slash journey times almost in half.
However many have criticised the project. Earlier this week Shapps revealed that the costs may spiral to £88bn by 2019 prices, against a budget of just over £62bn.
The project may also face a seven-year delay, an internal report by the chair of the HS2 found.
MP David Lidington, whose Aylesbury constituency is on the HS2 route, today asked why preparatory work is continuing on the project, even though it could be cancelled after the review.
“Ancient woodlands are being felled, productive farmland is being occupied and used by HS2, public money is being spent on these works, while the review may lead to recommendation to cancel or significantly change the project,” he said.
Shapps said if work did not continue he would not be in a position to make a decision in the project by the end of the year.
“I will have to make a go, no-go decision on this in December, it seemed to me that even to be in that position – if we didn’t continue preparatory works – I wouldn’t be in a go, no-go position,” Shapps said.
LIddington also quizzed the minister on why his constituents were not being compensated for land taken as part of the project.
Read more: HS2 remains vital for UK despite £88bn price tag, say businesses
Shapps said he would look into the issue.
“When people have their lives, their livelihoods, their homes potentially ripped apart by a project supposedly for the wider good, it’s right that the state compensates them promptly and efficiently,” he said.