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Question
Thanking the Secretary of State for her statement, he acknowledges that mistakes were made in delivering HS2. He notes costs doubling, delays, and changes to plans due to pandemic-induced supply chain shortages. The Public Accounts Committee raised serious concerns about HS2 in 2021. In 2023, the previous Government cancelled the northern leg of HS2 and created the Network North plan, diverting £36 billion from it to other transport projects.
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Question
The MP thanks the Secretary of State for decisive action to address HS2's cost overruns, acknowledging the work done on skills and workforce innovation. However, she urges the Department to learn from countries like France and Spain which have managed high-speed rail projects more efficiently.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State appreciates recognition of HS2’s efforts in providing opportunities through apprenticeships and supply chain work. She agrees to heed advice about learning from other nations’ efficient infrastructure delivery.
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Question
The Liberal Democrat spokesperson criticises the Conservatives for their mismanagement of HS2, highlighting issues like fraud and poor oversight. He asks for guarantees on investigating any fraud and returning lost money to taxpayers.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State agrees that every stone will be turned in investigating supply chain fraud, ensuring moneys are returned to taxpayers. She also mentions the necessity of consistent attendance from key ministers in overseeing HS2.
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Question
The MP highlights the failure of HS2 to benefit northern communities as intended, suggesting safeguarding original routes for future infrastructure plans.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State acknowledges the importance of ensuring that future infrastructure plans can be built in a way that this country can be proud of.
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Question
My constituency has been devastated by HS2. Will the Secretary of State give a commitment on how long my constituents will have to live in misery, and urgently unlock some mitigation funds?
Minister reply
If he writes with details about accessing mitigation funds, I will raise it for him. Proceeding as quickly as possible is essential.
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Question
Will the Secretary of State ensure certainty and timeliness going forward to avoid further delays that have been damaging for the supply chain?
Minister reply
My Department will confirm the schedule and estimated final cost once we receive detailed information from HS2 Ltd's new chief executive.
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Question
Can the Secretary of State look at how people are compensated by major infrastructure projects like HS2, whose budget has ballooned? Should Parliament review this project?
Minister reply
We will keep compensation under review while ensuring value for money to taxpayers. Transparency on costs and benefits is crucial.
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Question
Will the Secretary of State update the House and explain what additional practical support her Department plans to give rural communities over the years ahead?
Minister reply
I am committed to proceeding rapidly with construction works. Further compensation cannot be committed today, but they should bring issues to my attention.
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Question
The Secretary of State’s Department did not have the right mix of skills and there was considerable disagreement about costs. When will we see a new schedule window?
Minister reply
We need the right commercial acumen in HS2. I am unlikely to provide concrete information on a new schedule before the summer recess.
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Question
Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is time we ended failures of oversight, overspends, and suggested fraud, and let the dust settle on this project?
Minister reply
I understand daily disruption. We need to end the cycle of delays and waste and get on with building a railway fit for the 21st century.
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Question
Can the Secretary of State reassure me that we will not end up with a cut-price station at Euston?
Minister reply
I can give the assurance. This is an opportunity to re-provide Euston station, provide the new HS2 station and unlock land for regeneration.
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Question
Will the Secretary of State consider opening the Elizabeth line station at Old Oak Common before the HS2 station begins operating?
Minister reply
I will explore what opportunities there might be. I will also write to my hon. Friend about the Chancellor's announcement on financing a structures fund for repairing dilapidated bridges, tunnels and so on.
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Question
The Secretary of State mentioned safeguarded land in the village of Hopton, where a third of it is owned by HS2. Can she reassure my constituents that this farmland and those houses will be returned to the farmers and people who actually want to live there?
Minister reply
We are fully cognisant of this issue, and I am committed to ensuring that any land not needed for future schemes is returned to its rightful owners as soon as possible.
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Question
HS2 provides little or nothing for rail users in the south-west. Will the Secretary of State consider funding or prioritising the Dawlish rail resilience work, which is critical for businesses and rail users in Devon and Cornwall?
Minister reply
I will take up this matter with the Rail Minister and provide a written response to the hon. Gentleman on the merits of the Dawlish scheme.
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Question
Old Oak Common is part of my constituency, and local associations are fighting for compensation and mitigation due to ongoing disruption. Will the Secretary of State meet me or come on a site visit to understand their concerns better?
Minister reply
I am happy to meet with my hon. Friend to discuss her constituents' issues regarding HS2's engagement practices.
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Question
Phase 2 of HS2 remains cancelled, and I understand that the safeguarding of land in mid-Cheshire will not be lifted. Can she provide a date for this change?
Minister reply
I cannot give an exact date at present but am committed to updating hon. Members as soon as possible regarding the revised cost and schedule.
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Question
My constituency is uniquely affected by HS2 phases 1, 2a, and 2b. Can the Secretary of State provide assurances for meaningful change and a timeline for returning safeguarded land to landowners?
Minister reply
I am determined to address these issues effectively and will update my hon. Friend once I receive advice from the new chief executive on the revised cost and schedule.
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Question
Does the Secretary of State agree that money spent on HS2 is not being used effectively in the south-west? Will she ensure that necessary changes for easier rail travel in this region go ahead?
Minister reply
While there are challenges across the rail network, I am committed to ensuring improvements for everyone in the UK and have announced significant investment in Welsh railways.
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Question
Wales is now owed at least £5 billion due to HS2's poor management. When will we get our fair share of benefits from this project?
Minister reply
The Chancellor has announced over £400 million investment in Welsh railways, enabling work on Burns stations and Padeswood sidings, which are significant improvements.
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Question
Can the Secretary of State assure me that skills and expertise will be rolled out across the entire north of England through initiatives like the trans-Pennine upgrade?
Minister reply
I am committed to ensuring that no stone is left unturned in delivering these improvements effectively, including the electrification programme from Northallerton to Middlesbrough.
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Question
The Devon and Cornwall rail network is only one severe storm away from being decapitated at Dawlish. Phase 5 of the south-west rail resilience network is desperately needed. When will the Minister visit the line to see how desperately needed it is?
Minister reply
Dawlish is a very beautiful part of the country, and I am tempted to take up the invitation. The Secretary of State has already given an undertaking to speak with the Rail Minister on this subject and write to the hon. Member for Newton Abbot; she will also respond in writing to the hon. Member for Torbay.
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Question
HS2 has been an abject failure when it comes to political accountability of previous Administration. On transport efficiencies, will she press on with reforms to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), so that we can fix the driving test system and keep our country moving?
Minister reply
We have a programme of work across all arms-length bodies of the Department for Transport, including DVSA, focusing on providing public services efficiently. The hon. Friend’s constituents are keen for rapid progress on driving test wait times; this issue is a focus of discussions with the DVSA.
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Question
The lower Thames crossing from Tilbury to Gravesend is the second largest civil infrastructure programme after HS2. If her tighter approach to HS2 produces savings, will some of them be used to pay for the lower Thames crossing? If not, which private-sector companies will pay?
Minister reply
We are exploring finance options for the lower Thames crossing and have announced £590 million public funding this year for utility works and land purchases. More details about private finance arrangements will be provided in future.
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Question
Will the people who signed fast-track contracts with construction companies, before the scope of the works had been agreed, be interviewed? Will they explain their decisions against advice? Will we get any money back?
Minister reply
The Cabinet Secretary will investigate whether the James Stewart report raises questions for civil service or public sector. The hon. Friend is right to highlight contracts signed without clarity about what work was required; this shows a lack of oversight by previous Government Ministers.
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Question
What specific work is being undertaken on capacity issues on the west coast main line north of Birmingham? Are the Mayor of the West Midlands and the Mayor of Greater Manchester's proposals under review?
Minister reply
The chief executive of East West Rail, David Hughes, is determined to deliver the scheme rapidly, offer good value for money, and properly engage with communities. The hon. Gentleman should raise any issues he is concerned about.
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Question
How will the Secretary of State ensure that mistakes made on HS2 are not repeated on East West Rail? Will she address concerns around delivery faster and at lower cost, as well as proper compensation for those impacted?
Minister reply
East West Rail is fundamentally different from HS2. It is being delivered in three phases, with only the latter phase requiring new track construction. The hon. Gentleman should raise any specific issues he is concerned about.
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Question
How much are HS2 bosses spending on newt mitigation? Similarly, confirm if the cost of bat tunnel is well north of the purported £100 million. Will she hold HS2 accountable for these costs?
Minister reply
The estimated cost of the bat structure in 2019 prices is £95 million. The Government have put forward significant reforms to prevent unreasonable environmental mitigation costs.
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Question
Will she meet me to discuss how we can get my constituents into jobs, and the possibility of reopening three stations: Handsworth Wood, Soho Road and City Health Campus?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman should speak with the Rail Minister about these stations in Birmingham.
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Question
May I discuss rail connections in the east of England? Will any dividend from cancelling HS2 North be used to replace crucial Haughley and Ely junctions?
Minister reply
The Secretary of State understands the importance of the Ely area scheme for rail infrastructure, and hopes to say more about rail investment before the summer recess.
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Question
What steps is she taking to ensure that infrastructure like the £100 million bat tunnel will not be included in future projects, such as East West Rail?
Minister reply
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill includes proposals for species and habitats protection reform. This ensures better outcomes for nature without unreasonable costs.
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Question
Will the Secretary of State commit to engaging with Stockport council on capacity issues on the west coast main line?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman should speak with the Rail Minister about these plans.
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Question
Given the Secretary of State's inheritance of the HS2 project, will there be a point at which she determines that costs are too high or timelines unrealistic, thus halting the project?
Minister reply
The Government has committed £25 billion over four years for transport infrastructure. The Secretary of State will update the House on cost estimates and timelines as further information becomes available.
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Question
In light of HS2's decade-long delays, escalating costs up to £100 billion, and allegations of supply chain fraud, what steps will the Government take to recover taxpayers' money, hold those responsible accountable, and cease wasteful spending?
Minister reply
Billions have been wasted due to constant scope changes, ineffective contracts, and poor management. The project is being reset with new leadership and governance structures. Potential supply chain fraud is under investigation by HMRC, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.