Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises from ongoing concerns about the HS2 rail project's costs and its perceived value to taxpayers.
What discussions has he had with the Secretary of State for Transport on the cost of HS2?
The Chancellor launched an efficiency and savings review to focus on Government priorities and identify ways to work more efficiently, helping manage budgetary pressures from higher inflation. The Secretary of State for Transport and I discussed the costs of HS2 during this review, which informed the decision to rephase certain parts of the project.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP questions the economic feasibility of HS2 as costs rise, challenging the government's continued commitment.
What would be the cost threshold for HS2 to no longer represent value for money? Is the Government committed regardless of final bill?
The Government remain fully committed to delivering HS2, viewing it as a long-term investment that boosts productivity and provides low-carbon alternatives. The IRP includes £96 billion for improving inter-regional rail connections affecting constituents' interests.
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Assessment & feedback
cost threshold beyond which the project will not proceed
Fully Committed
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns over poor productivity gains in the UK linked to insufficient national infrastructure investments, including HS2 delays.
Does he agree that low UK productivity is due to lack of infrastructure investment? Slowing down HS2 undermines infrastructure improvement efforts.
The £600 billion infrastructure commitment is critical to easing the productivity challenge faced by successive Governments. The Chancellor will introduce measures in the autumn statement to address this further.
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Assessment & feedback
specifics about HS2 impact on productivity
Critical Investment
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns over rising HS2 costs since its inception under the last Labour Government, questioning affordability.
Considering ballooning costs, can we afford HS2? The profile of investment changes with trains not going to central London stations as initially planned.
Despite challenges in delivering such ambitious infrastructure, key elements remain on track. We will continue working with the Department for Transport to ensure this continues.
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Assessment & feedback
current affordability of HS2 given cost changes
Ambitious
Challenges
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns over cost-benefit analysis for HS2 in light of changes due to the pandemic, working from home, and video conferencing.
Is he concerned about cost-benefit analyses for HS2? Have assumptions changed regarding business travel patterns post-pandemic?
Recognising changes in public transport use due to the pandemic, we face cost of living challenges. We continue investing in buses and capping fares outside London while prioritising greater connectivity across the UK for economic growth.
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Assessment & feedback
re-evaluation of HS2 post-pandemic changes
Pandemic Impacts
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns over HS2's potential negative impact on north-London train services, specifically Wilmslow station.
If accommodating HS2 means fewer trains between the north and London, affecting stations like Wilmslow, would HS2 no longer be value for money?
HS2 is proceeding. Additional investments across rail infrastructure might benefit Wilmslow's constituents additionally and directly through the £96 billion IRP package improving inter-regional connections.
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Assessment & feedback
impact on north-London train services due to HS2
Additional Benefits
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns over the deliverability of HS2 in North West Leicestershire, questioning its continuation and proposing alternative uses for the budget.
Given HS2's undeliverability, will he urge colleagues to cancel the eastern leg and allocate funds to reopen the Ivanhoe line?
Recognising strong views on this, and personal impact of it, the project will continue. Tight budget management involves several issues being closely worked through with the Department for Transport.
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Assessment & feedback
proposal to reallocate HS2 funds towards reopening Ivanhoe line
Strong Views
Tight Budget Management
Response accuracy