← Back to House of Commons Debates
HS2: Revised Timetable and Budget
14 March 2023
Lead MP
Huw Merriman
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
TransportBusiness & Trade
Other Contributors: 43
At a Glance
Huw Merriman raised concerns about hs2: revised timetable and budget in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
The Transport Secretary announced a £40 billion transport investment programme, including the delivery of HS2 between Old Oak Common and Birmingham by 2033. However, due to inflationary pressures from Putin's illegal war and supply chain issues, construction costs have increased significantly, necessitating rephasing of certain parts of HS2. Construction on the Birmingham-Crewe section will be delayed by two years, while Euston station design will be reassessed alongside high-speed infrastructure to Manchester. The Government remains committed to delivering HS2 but needs to manage public finances responsibly.
Iain Stewart
Con Opposition
Milton Keynes South
Question
Inquired about increased project costs beyond inflation, HS2 Ltd's financial control, delay to Old Oak Common to Euston section and further details on HS2 east.
Minister reply
Increased costs relate mainly to phase 1 construction at £600 million per month. Sir Jon Thompson is the new chairman of HS2 Ltd with a finance background. The delay in Euston to Old Oak Common is due to affordability issues, but work will continue on affordable design solutions. Further details on HS2 east and Leeds route options are expected soon.
Louise Haigh
Lab
Sheffield Heeley
Question
Critiques the announcement for its timing, claims leaked documents show delays increasing costs and hurting growth, questions the justification of ‘balancing books’, and highlights economic consequences.
Minister reply
Denies comments on leaked documents but acknowledges public spending pressures. Emphasises creation of 36,000 jobs in Birmingham with Curzon Street station and 13,000 homes from Piccadilly station redevelopment in Manchester. Also notes the positive impact of £15 billion contribution to London's Old Oak Common regeneration over 30 years.
Jack Brereton
Con
Ruislip-Northwood
Question
Concerns about phase 2 reducing capacity on existing services and suggests investment should focus on upgrading the current network.
Minister reply
Committed to delivering HS2 from London Euston up to Manchester despite delays. The extra time will be used for design improvements but not deviating from the track of London Euston to Manchester.
Gavin Newlands
SNP
Paisley and Renfrewshire North
Question
Criticism of the HS2 project focusing on its cost and lack of investment in rail modernisation outside the south-east. Also mentions slashed funding for active travel.
Minister reply
The Minister defends the Government's commitment to northern infrastructure, referencing the £96 billion integrated rail plan and downplaying criticisms about the focus being only on the south-east.
Alec Shelbrooke
Con
Wetherby and Easingwold
Question
Concerns raised over phase 2b of HS2, with constituents' lives blighted due to land safeguarding.
Minister reply
The Minister promises a Leeds area study that will unlock funding for mass transit schemes and potentially solve the issue around property and land blighting.
Graham Stringer
Lab
Blackley and Middleton South
Question
Claims of the Government's disdain towards the north of England in rail investment, criticising cuts to phase 2b and comparing it with southern projects.
Minister reply
Defends the large scale of northern investments through the integrated rail plan, dismissing criticisms about lack of investment.
Question
Asks whether Old Oak Common will be the main terminus for HS2 passengers even when Euston is open.
Minister reply
Acknowledges Old Oak Common's significance, citing its role in providing quicker travel times to Manchester and connections via Elizabeth line.
Toby Perkins
Lab
Chesterfield
Question
Questions the cost increase due to delays and criticises the Government’s lack of commitment.
Minister reply
Defends current financial management, emphasising the need for balanced investment in infrastructure while managing economic challenges.
Question
Inquires about the impact of the pause on ongoing construction in Lichfield, phase 1.
Minister reply
Confirms that parts of HS2 network where construction is active will continue with completion by 2033, committing to further detail.
Yasmin Qureshi
Lab
Bolton South and Walkden
Question
Expresses disappointment over delays in the extension of HS2 to the north and its impact on local businesses.
Minister reply
Highlights current employment figures and number of companies involved in HS2, stressing the focus on delivering phase 1.
Bill Cash
Con
Wolverhampton South West
Question
HS2 goes from the very bottom to the very top of my constituency, and I am extremely glad that the Minister has agreed to come to see my constituents soon—I wish he would confirm that. We have put in some proposals called phase 1-plus. Those are very important, and the delay should help to work through them. On a personal note, many of my constituents are aware that work is continuing now, despite the announced delay. They are suffering from extreme stress, bullying and harassment, of the kind described by my right hon. Friend the Member for Elmet and Rothwell (Alec Shelbrooke). Staff have taken possession of their homes against their will, without adequate or timely compensation, and of land that they do not need. One example is Mr John Evanson, aged 79. He was born on his farm, where he worked his entire life, but it has been taken away from him. He and his partner are now prisoners in their own home, surrounded by fencing and with as many as eight security guards, which is utterly intolerable. Will the Minister guarantee to look into that issue and sort it out?
Minister reply
I am always happy to meet my hon. Friend, and to discuss cases brought by my colleagues and Members across the House. It is essential that HS2 treats those whose land is being possessed or worked on nearby with compassion, and offers the right element of compensation. A lot of good work has been done by my predecessors on that front, but we know that there is more to do and I am happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss that case. Indeed, I have offered to view some of those cases to get a better understanding.
Sarah Green
Lib Dem
Chesham and Amersham
Question
Delaying HS2 will not reduce the environmental or financial costs already incurred, but it will reduce any value that the project ever claimed to have. Why not admit that this was a mistake, and scrap HS2 altogether?
Minister reply
I will take that as Liberal Democrat policy from now on. It is important that all parties have a shared policy. On the ecological benefits of HS2—I have viewed some of them—the area around Colne valley where the chalk is being tunnelled will create a new chalk habitat, and I have seen that for myself. There will be no net loss to biodiversity as the route goes up to Birmingham, and as it goes beyond there will be an ecology gain of 10%. In my view, HS2 is a force for good not just through decarbonisation and what that does for the environment, but in respect of ecology and the legacy it will leave.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Question
Instead of tinkering with the edges of HS2, would it not be better to admit that we cannot afford it as a country, that it has ruined livelihoods up and down the area where construction has commenced, and that it brings massive environmental destruction with it? Would it not be better to scrap it altogether? Does my hon. Friend agree that if he is to persist in building phase 1, among the cuts and budget reductions, not a penny will be taken from the mitigations put in place for residents who suffer real human misery under the construction of this project?
Minister reply
May I thank my hon. Friend? It was a pleasure to visit him and see some of the impacts in Buckinghamshire, which he so ably represents. I absolutely accept, as does HS2 Ltd, that right now HS2 is at the peak of construction—I referenced the amount being spent each month—which means the impact is probably at its greatest for residents. That will reduce as the line is delivered to Curzon Street, which it will be. We remain committed to delivery, but we are also committed to ensuring that we work with hon. Members, such as my hon. Friend, on mitigation measures. I am very happy to discuss with him further what more we can do to assist his constituents, but I have to be absolutely clear that we are delivering HS2 to Curzon Street in the time specified.
Andrew Slaughter
Lab
Hammersmith and Chiswick
Question
The consequences of this announcement for Old Oak Common include doubts about the capacity of the Elizabeth line; limited interchange between lines at the station, especially for disabled people; very limited access to the station site; and the postponement of development of HS2 land until after Euston opens. Will the Minister meet me and other MPs who are concerned about the indefinite delay to Euston opening to discuss the consequences for my constituents, which are game changing?
Minister reply
I try to make myself available to all colleagues across the House, and I would be very happy to meet the hon. Gentleman. To be clear, Old Oak Common is a massive regeneration opportunity that is being realised for west London. As I have stated, it will be one of the largest train stations delivered. It offers connectivity not just into London via the Elizabeth line, but to the west country and Wales via Great Western Railway. One amazing thing about Old Oak Common when I visited was that rather than lorry loads of spoil being taken away through the community, a conveyor has been built so we can use the existing freight line to take the spoil away. That is better not only for costs but for the environment, so I am very proud of the work being done at Old Oak Common. I would be very pleased to meet the hon. Gentleman to discuss it further.
Virginia Crosbie
Con
Broxtowe
Question
The Minister detailed the impact on various economies in England, but will he make an assessment with Cabinet colleagues of the potential impact of the new timing of the construction of HS2 between Birmingham and Crewe on the economy of north Wales?
Minister reply
More detail will be added when the six monthly report for HS2 comes before the House. We also have the enhancement pipeline, which we will look to publish in the months to come. That will detail the investments we can make off the back of HS2. My hon. Friend makes a very good point about the benefits that accrue from HS2: not just passenger trains on the existing network, but the ability to take freight off the existing line. I am very happy to take further representations from her. She is very passionate about projects for north Wales and we will continue to talk.
Hilary Benn
Lab
Leeds South
Question
Despite having been repeatedly promised that HS2 to Leeds would be built, the Government broke their word. At the time, they promised they would look at the most effective way to run HS2 trains to Leeds, but just now, in answer to the right hon. Member for Elmet and Rothwell (Alec Shelbrooke), the Minister speculated—if I heard him correctly—on what he would do about safeguarding land if it does not prove possible to do that. Can he clarify whether he is indicating to us that it may not prove possible even to honour the second promise and that it looks as if we will be disappointed again?
Minister reply
Perhaps I can clarify and try to assist, because I can see the obvious trap I am being invited to fall into. First of all, the Leeds route study has to be published, responses have to be returned, and then a decision has to be made on how and whether it is possible to get HS2 trains to Leeds. That has an impact on Leeds station, which is currently about 115% over capacity. There are also implications for the ability to invest in Leeds station. The whole basis I am trying to lead to is that we have to get the study out and the responses back, and then the decision can be made as to what occurs. That lends itself to what happens to properties that have come into possession. I hope that orderly process is now clear to the right hon. Gentleman.
Mark Fletcher
Con
Hull East
Question
I am grateful to the Minister for meeting me last week, but I have to say that I agree entirely with my right hon. Friend the Member for Elmet and Rothwell (Alec Shelbrooke). The chance of the current line running up to Leeds is absolutely non-existent, yet those communities who are currently locked into the line of route are dealing with the wickedness and viciousness of HS2 Ltd, most recently including, as the Minister is aware, 38% rent increases. When will he end this cycle of misery and lift the safeguarding in my constituency?
Minister reply
I have the greatest sympathy for my hon. Friend’s constituents. They have been ably represented by him, because he has spoken to me on a number of occasions. I have already set out the steps that will be taken with regard to the decision on HS2 trains to Leeds. That will remain the case, but I am already looking into the case for his constituents. A 30% to 38% increase in rents seems like an incredibly high jump in one go. I need to find out the background to that, but he will be meeting me again, so I can give him the detail that he can then give back to his constituents. I will do everything I can to minimise the impact.
Lilian Greenwood
Lab
Nottingham South
Question
I was 45 when the Tory-led Government gave HS2 the go ahead. Since then, as the Minister knows, it has been repeatedly chopped, changed and delayed. I will be 57 next week. How old will I be when it gets to Nottingham?
Minister reply
Mr Speaker, it is another trap I do not wish to walk into, beyond saying that with regard to the plans going eastward, which will allow for much faster services to London and Birmingham from Leicester and Nottingham, we will set out more detail both in the response I have to give to the Chairman of the Transport Committee on that aspect of HS2 east and in the parliamentary report. We announced that in the integrated rail plan, which did change matters. It is important that we now give better delivery, so we can indicate timescales and costs.
Rob Butler
Con
Bucks West
Question
My constituents never wanted HS2. As my hon. Friend the Minister knows, they have always said that costs would escalate out of control. Sadly, it seems too late to stop its construction in Aylesbury and Wendover, despite the huge damage being done to the beautiful Buckinghamshire countryside. Will the Minister take advantage of the pause he has announced to phase 2 to encourage those at HS2 Ltd and their contractors to devote a little bit more time to helping those impacted by phase 1, to improve mitigation and not constantly have the response “Computer says no.”?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend gives me the opportunity to confirm again that we remain on track for the delivery of HS2 between Old Oak Common and Curzon Street. We expect to see trains delivered by 2033. Again, there will be peak disruption for his constituents in Aylesbury, Wendover and the region. I will have a further conversation with the chief executive and the chairman of HS2 Ltd, and I will absolutely restate the importance of ensuring that, as we are at peak construction period, mitigations are in place. I recognise that there are some in constituencies in the home counties who, notwithstanding the mitigations we have made, think that more could be done. I am happy to represent those calls.
Pontypridd
Question
Despite paying heavily for HS2, Wales will not receive any track-laying benefits. The Welsh Government is set to lose around £5 billion in Barnett consequentials due to the project's classification as an England and Wales project, with the extension to Scotland scrapped. Is it time to admit that HS2 has become an England-only project?
Minister reply
HS2 involves contributions from constituencies across 650 represented in this House and benefits the entire UK. Network Rail funding for England and Wales does not include Barnett consequentials, whereas Scotland's includes these, making them separate matters.
Question
If we cannot build high-speed rail from north to south, what good are we? With Lord Adonis seeking Conservative support for HS2, should the Opposition come together and deliver this project as pioneers did in building infrastructure?
Minister reply
HS2 is crucial for connecting UK cities better and promoting development in underdeveloped parts of the country. We aim to level up these areas with business expansion northwards. Despite being a pioneer of railways, there has been no high-speed rail line like those in Europe; HS2 will change that.
Andrew Gwynne
Ind
Gorton and Denton
Question
MPs from the north are sceptical about promises made for full HS2 development, with Liverpool-Manchester plans being delayed. What guarantees are there for on-time delivery of Manchester-Euston connections?
Minister reply
The Bill Committee continues with section 2b despite delays; indicative timescales remain unchanged. Northern Powerhouse Rail's crucial delivery ensures this commitment remains intact.
Question
Residents impacted by the original HS2 routes are now facing uncertainty due to revised route changes, especially in towns like Long Eaton and Sandiacre. What steps will be taken to ensure these residents receive full compensation?
Minister reply
The line of route remains unchanged; however, a two-year rephasing affects part of Crewe's section. Compensation processes involve individual case assessments by the Department for Transport.
Dan Jarvis
Lab
Barnsley North
Question
The north has faced countless delays and changes with HS2 plans, leading to significant frustration. When will we see progress on connectivity between Sheffield and Leeds?
Minister reply
We aim to publish options for Leeds soon after the document clears through the Department for Transport.
Question
Yorkshire needs full delivery of Northern Powerhouse Rail from Liverpool to Hull, via Bradford, with HS2 extended to Yorkshire. Will the review plan for connecting Sheffield and Leeds be completed before summer?
Minister reply
The document has cleared through the Department for Transport desk; we will work on publishing it quickly.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Question
HS2 denies Wales any investment despite being considered an England and Wales project. Will the UK Government guarantee a £1-billion investment in Wales’s railways?
Minister reply
HS2's benefits spread across the UK, with 29,000 jobs created and vast impacts on small or medium-sized businesses. Funding for Network Rail differs between England/Wales and Scotland.
Question
The Government’s intention to build a new Network Rail station in Toton is vital for the east midlands region, which has low transport spend per head annually. Will this commitment be reaffirmed with a completion timescale?
Minister reply
We remain committed to delivering on the East Midlands Parkway plan and will provide details in response to the Transport Committee and ongoing liaison.
Chris Elmore
Lab
Bridgend
Question
The Minister has repeatedly stated that HS2 applies solely to England, despite Manchester being outside Wales. What are the economic benefits for Wales where no track is laid?
Minister reply
Enhancements on the railway will apply to both England and Wales; an upcoming enhancements pipeline will address new track investment in these regions.
Question
HS2 phase 2b may never reach the north, delaying economic growth. Competitors deliver strategic infrastructure faster. Should we not do better?
Minister reply
Delays to large infrastructure projects reflect democracy and planning processes, including House Committees and legal petitions.
Martin Docherty
Lab
West Dunbartonshire
Question
The MP questions the government's commitment to building HS2, highlighting Scotland and other regions' poor connectivity. He asks how constituents in West Dunbartonshire will feel about a British state that cannot build railways.
Minister reply
The Minister reiterates the benefits of HS2 for the UK as a whole and mentions options for the Golborne link to assist with future plans, including connecting HS2 trains through Scotland.
Selaine Saxby
Con
North Devon
Question
The MP inquires about the Department's commitment to decarbonising transport networks despite recent cuts to active travel budgets.
Minister reply
The Minister confirms a £3 billion commitment to active travel schemes over this Parliament and mentions additional £2 billion decarbonisation spends. He emphasises the continued commitment to active travel.
Barnsley South
Question
The MP questions whether delays in HS2 are intended to pass costs onto future governments.
Minister reply
The Minister justifies the delay as a measure to balance spending on HS2 and other projects with economic growth, debt reduction, and managing borrowing charges. He clarifies that only part of the project is delayed.
Robin Millar
Con
South Dorset
Question
The MP asks about the importance of the north Wales main line for connectivity and inquires if HS2 is an England and Wales project. He also queries on the business case for the electrification of the north Wales main line.
Minister reply
The Minister confirms work on a pipeline for HS2 enhancements, including projects from both Wales and England. He reiterates that HS2 will benefit the whole United Kingdom.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda
Question
The MP expresses disappointment with further delays to HS2 trains reaching central London and criticises perceived incompetence.
Minister reply
The Minister invites the MP to visit Old Oak Common station, which will connect Birmingham to London, and promises benefits for the whole UK regardless of specific route parts.
Tom Randall
Lab
Dewsbury
Question
The MP seeks reassurance that the eastern leg of HS2 will proceed on schedule as currently planned.
Minister reply
The Minister confirms the benefits for Nottingham and Derby regarding journey times to Birmingham and London, reiterating plans for further details in a parliamentary report.
Alan Brown
Lab
Kilmarnock and Loudoun
Question
The MP questions the timing of HS2 trains running from central London to Scotland and queries about journey times north of Crewe.
Minister reply
The Minister confirms plans for Manchester but mentions long-term ambitions to connect HS2 further north. He denies slower journey times north of Crewe compared to current Avanti services.
Rupa Huq
Lab
Ealing Central and Acton
Question
The MP expresses disappointment over delays to Old Oak Common station's operation from Euston, asking for extra funds for TfL.
Minister reply
The Minister praises the development of the best-connected new railway station ever built in the UK, highlighting its regeneration potential.
Clive Betts
Lab
Sheffield South East
Question
The MP queries about the midland main line electrification to Sheffield.
Minister reply
The Minister mentions an upcoming enhancements pipeline and commitments for careful consideration of projects within it.
Christina Rees
Lab
Neath
Question
The MP asks if HS2 should be reclassified as an England-only project to allow Wales to receive Barnett consequentials.
Minister reply
The Minister explains the funding model for Network Rail, distinguishing between Scotland and Wales in terms of how funds are provided.
Barry Sheerman
Lab
Harrow West
Question
As the longest-serving Labour Member of Parliament, may I say to the Minister that I opposed HS2 from the very beginning, in January 2012, because I thought it was a vanity project and would not benefit my constituents? A hundred billion pounds! Think, Minister, what that could have done in the health service or in our armed forces. This must be the most incompetent measure introduced by any Government in the last 100 years.
Minister reply
I recognise that there are differences of opinion. Let me clarify my earlier reference to the Liberal Democrats: I meant that I resent seeing what is said in party by-election literature while the party as a whole supports this project. I respect the hon. Gentleman’s point, as I respect points made on both sides of the House. As I say, opinions differ, but mine is absolutely firm. I believe that this country—the entire United Kingdom—deserves a high-speed train line. I believe that there will be benefits to the economy and to levelling up, with homes and jobs becoming more accessible for the whole of the UK.
Carmarthen East and Dinefwr
Question
HS2 is turning into the predictable generational financial black hole of which many warned at the outset. Scotland and Northern Ireland are protected because they receive full Barnett consequentials, but Wales is given a 0% rating. As a result, our Department for Transport comparability factor currently starts at only 36.6%, which means considerably less money for the Welsh Government to spend on transport. Is not the reality that unless this issue is addressed in one way or another—by devolving the responsibility for funding Network Rail to Wales, if that is what it takes—Welsh transport infrastructure faces decades of further under-investment, and Welsh taxpayers are being thoroughly swindled?
Minister reply
The reality is that the control period will see more than £40 billion spent on renewals across England and Wales, but, as I said earlier, Scotland has to find that funding for itself, and that is where the Barnett consequentials come in. There are no plans in the foreseeable future to change the manner in which we fund the network in the way that the hon. Gentleman described.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
By its very nature, HS2 is a strategic project from which everyone in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland can gain some benefit. In 2010 it was expected to cost £33 billion, but that is now expected to soar to some £71 billion; meanwhile, there are reports of more delays and persistent congestion in areas such as Camden. Can the Minister reassure me that phase 1 is still on track to be completed by 2029, and that any further delays will be minor and will have no impact on the completion date?
Minister reply
The intention is to deliver the trains from Old Oak Common to Curzon Street Birmingham by 2033. There is a window between 2029 and 2033, and our commitment to delivering in that timeframe remains. I was heartened by a conversation I had with the leader of Camden Borough Council, who talked about the opportunities that that timeframe would afford for us to work together to try to find better solutions that will benefit the whole community.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.