11.02.20
Government gives the green light for HS2
This afternooon Boris Johnson annouced in the House of Commons that HS2 will go ahead.
He said: "We face a historic choice, we can try to get by with existing routes from north to south or we can have the guts to take a decision, no matter how difficult and controversial."
Mr Johnson said a HS2 minister will be appointed, whose full time job will be to manage the project: "We will, in line with Mr Oakervee's recommendations, be interrogating the current cost to identify where savings can be made in phase one without the cost and delays that would be associated with a detailed redesign.
"And, so that the company can focus solely on getting phases 1 and 2A built on something approaching time and budget, I will be creating new delivery arrangements for both the grossly behind-schedule Euston terminus and phase 2B of the wider project."
The Prime Minister said that despite "poor management" he fully believed in the "fundamental value" of HS2.
"When it comes to advocating HS2, it must be said that the task is not made easier by HS2 Ltd, the company concerned. Speaking as an MP whose constituency is on the route, I cannot say that HS2 Ltd has distinguished itself in the handling of local communities."
"But poor management to date has not detracted, in my view, from the fundamental value of the project."
Looking for an event that connects the supply chain to HS2? Then TransCityRail is the event for you. TCR opens up discussion that leads to action on regional rail investment, supply chain engagement and putting the passenger first in line with the immediate priorities of HS2, Network Rail, Operators and the wider rail industry.
Click here to find out more.