The review of the HS2 project carried out by Douglas Oakervee strongly advised against cancelling HS2. In light of that judgement, the Government decided to press ahead with the project. However, in light of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis, I believe it is time for this decision to be reassessed. The costs of the project - both environmental and economic – are already very significant, with the financial cost in particular having grown far beyond initial estimates. In my view, the Government needs to look again at whether proceeding with HS2 is right at a time of great economic uncertainty.
I have written to ministers to raise my concerns about the project, as well as those of the many constituents who have written to me on the subject. I have asked that the Government look again at whether it is still responsible for the scheme to go ahead at this time.
