Government could scrap HS2 under new independent review

Wednesday, 21 August 2019 16:48

An independent review has been launched by the government to assess whether plans to construct the high-speed railway HS2 should continue.

The High Speed 2 project is intended to link a series of major UK cities, including London, Manchester, Leeds and Glasgow – helping to bridge the gap between the North-South divide.

However, The Department for Transport announced today that an inquiry will be undertaken in order to determine how, or whether, the project should continue.

Former HS2 chair Douglas Oakervee will lead the inquiry, with Lord Berkeley acting as his deputy, as they set out to review HS2's benefits and whether they are reasonably achievable.

The final report will be completed by autumn, and sent to Transport Secretary Grant Shapps - overseen by Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Chancellor Sajid Javid.

On the review, Mr Shapps said: "The Prime Minister has been clear that transport infrastructure has the potential to drive economic growth, redistribute opportunity and support towns and cities across the UK, but that investments must be subject to continuous assessment of their costs and benefits.

"That's why we are undertaking this independent and rigorous review of HS2.”

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