HS2 threatens by stealth to gobble up all available cash for rail
over 5 years in The guardian
A rethink about the benefits of HS2 could end up with better rail services for the north
Whatever else it is, HS2 is a marvel of the lobbyist’s art. Even as cost estimates climb to unimagined heights, the cry is heard that the high-speed railway must be built in full anyway. As recently as last summer, ministers vowed that £55.7bn was the “only” budget. Now we’re up to a possible £106bn, according to the FT’s report on the official review, and still the chorus from HS2’s fan club remains the same.
The British Chambers of Commerce, a chief cheerleader, was at it again on Monday. “While there can be no blank cheque, cutting the project back would put development and investment plans across the country at risk,” said director general Adam Marshall. Continue reading...
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