At Conservative Party Conference this week, the Prime Minister set out his new plan to deliver better transport for all, investing every pound that would have been spent extending HS2 on long-term transport improvements that will deliver better, faster journeys for more people.
Costs for HS2 have more than doubled. The Prime Minister was clear that if we want to change the country and build a better future for our children, that means we must change the way we do politics. That is why he has decided to invest every pound of the £36 billion that would have been spent extending HS2 in a way that will benefit far more people, in far more places, far more quickly.
Richard Fuller MP said:
Cancelling the northern leg of the out of control HS2 “project” as far as possible to secure long term value for taxpayers was precisely the right decision by the Prime Minister.
When I voted for the original HS2 project a decade ago, it was a fraction of the current cost but even then I was dubious of its merits.
More recently in my town hall meetings across the constituency, when residents raise the profligacy of HS2, I have regretted my original vote - the worst financial decision I have ever voted on.
So despite the criticism from many - including former Prime Ministers - I am convinced Rishi Sunak was right.
And as a side note - HS2 offered three times the benefit to taxpayers than does East West Rail. Just saying…
More information on the Prime Minister's announcement can be found here.
