NAO report shows why HS2 must be scrapped, not delayed says MP

Wednesday, 29 March 2023 13:16

Chesham and Amersham MP, Sarah Green, has reiterated her calls for HS2 to be scrapped after a National Audit Office report on the project's Euston section found construction delays will increase already spiralling costs.

The report, published on Monday, found that "the impact of deferring spending on the HS2 programme in the short term will be additional costs and could lead to an overall increase in spend in the long term."

The Department for Transport announced on 9th March that construction of the line between Old Oak Common and Euston and north of Birmingham will be delayed by two years in a bid to counter inflationary pressures.

The watchdog also revealed that the estimated cost for HS2 Euston has reached £4.8bn, almost double the project's original £2.6bn budget.

While the report does not examine the construction of HS2 as a whole, Green has expressed concern that the growing costs of the Euston portion will be reflected along the line of route.

She said: "The Government's latest attempt to tame this out-of-control project will add, not reduce the cost to the taxpayer.

"Today's report makes it clearer than ever that delays will increase the financial burden and draw out the pain caused by HS2.

"It is time for the Government to accept that the only way to get a grip on the costs of HS2 is to scrap the project altogether.

"This would be the best solution for the country's finances, for the environment and for affected communities."