Reacting to news that the Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh, has announced a review of HS2 costs, Penny Gaines, chair of Stop HS2, said
“One thing has always happened with HS2 is that the costs have gone relentlessly upwards, whilst the expected benefits have gone down. Numerous ministers have talked about reviewing HS2 and ‘getting a grip’ on the cost of HS2. However the conclusion of each review, is either the cost has gone up, or the project has been descoped. Or sometimes both.
“The fundamental structure of HS2 Ltd was set in place by the last Labour government, and during the various governments since, the Labour party have not made any real challenge to the plans.”