HS2 delay risks destroying govt's levelling up agenda, BTA chief warns
Will PayneThe chief executive of the Business Travel Association (BTA) has criticised the government’s decision to delay the construction of HS2 by a further two years, describing the move as a "sure-fire detonation" to the UK’s levelling up agenda.
HS2 is set to become a new high speed rail line from London to the north-west, with trains linking Scotland with Manchester, Birmingham and the capital.
But in a bid to cut costs, the government confirmed on Thursday (9 March) the Birmingham-Crewe leg of HS2 will be delayed by two years to cut costs, further suggesting Euston station’s opening could also be delayed as an "affordable" design is worked on.
Transport secretary Mark Harper said the "responsible" decisions he outlined will ensure the government balances the budget at the same time as investing in the country’s transport network.
"The government sees transport investment as a down payment on the country’s future and is committing £20bn over each of the next two years to improve the UK’s transport network," he added.
In response, BTA chief executive Clive Wratten said the delay is a "sure-fire detonation" to the UK’s levelling up agenda.
"Reliable transport networks are not a luxury but a necessity," he added. "People outside London are being forced into their cars by inadequate rail infrastructure.
"HS2 was meant to be part of the solution to modernise travel networks. This delay not only puts this in peril but also has serious consequences for the UK’s economic recovery post-pandemic."
HS2 is scheduled to enter service between Old Oak Common station in London and Birmingham between 2029 and 2033.
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