Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has just announced the cancellation of HS2 from Birmingham to Manchester. Whilst Phase 1 from London Euston to Birmingham will currently continue, it is clear that the PM has now recognised that STOP HS2 has been correct from the start. There is no business case, there is no environmental case and no money to pay for HS2. It is the wrong project for our nation.
STOP HS2 made this argument over 10 years ago, and will continue to fight this white elephant vanity project. We are assessing the wider implications of the PM’s announcement and a further update will follow. Thank you for your support.
He was right to say that the facts have changed, but I agree that many of us have been predicting all along that the projected increase in passenger numbers would never happen. What has changed is that it has recently become undeniable.
Note that there is sleight of hand in his claim that every penny of the savings will be reinvested in the new plan.
The £36bn for cancelled projects was at 2019 prices, and although the Treasury will claim that savings would have been made to keep costs down to that level, despite all the price inflation since then, realistically those projects would have cost far more.
Whereas the the £36bn for the new plan will be at 2023 price levels, and so embodies a considerable saving for the Treasury.
So relieved that HS2 has been stopped by the Prime Minister. Common sense has finally won the day on this occasion. The towns, villages and country side that would have been so badly affected can breathe a sigh of relief. So much time and effort has gone into the struggle against this threat but it has all been worth it in the end. Congratulations to everyone who stood against HS2
This is good news, we have won a battle but my fear is that Starmer will try to resurect phase 2b, from its grave. I have spent the last 2 years fighting against the Manchester Tunnel. I have a pending petition against the Hybrid Bill, but will they now withdraw this. Lets wait and see
How long a time lies in one little word!
Four lagging winters and four wanton springs
End in a word; such is the breath of kings.