Fresh concerns have been raised over the future of the HS2 project reaching Euston as the new Chancellor prepares to make some challenging decisions regarding public spending. Rachel Reeves is set to address the issue of a significant financial gap left by the previous government, estimated to be around £20 billion.
During an interview on LBC, Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden acknowledged that tough choices will need to be made regarding expenditure. He expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of the HS2 project, describing it as chaotic and fragmented.
McFadden emphasized the need to adapt to the circumstances inherited from the previous administration, hinting at the possibility that HS2 may not extend all the way to Euston as initially planned. There are concerns that the project might stop short at Old Oak Common instead.
Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had previously decided to cancel the extension of HS2 from Birmingham to Manchester but indicated that Euston would remain a terminal point if there was adequate private sector funding. However, uncertainty looms over whether this commitment will be upheld.
While it is uncertain whether HS2 will be specifically addressed in Reeves’ upcoming statement, reports suggest that abandoning the Euston leg is being contemplated. In addition to HS2, various other infrastructure projects are at risk of being scrapped, including a road tunnel near Stonehenge, a bypass in West Sussex, the construction of 40 new hospitals, and the restoration of 45 railway lines promised by Boris Johnson.
The potential restructuring of HS2 and the reconsideration of its termination point raise questions about the future of high-speed rail connectivity in the UK. As the government grapples with financial constraints and competing priorities, tough decisions lie ahead regarding the allocation of resources for key infrastructure projects. Stay tuned for updates on the fate of HS2 and other critical developments in the realm of public spending and transportation initiatives.