Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

HS2: Cost

Tuesday 5 September 2023 · 7 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 6 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Chancellor launched an efficiency and savings review to manage budgetary pressures from higher inflation, during which discussions on HS2 costs took place.
  • The Government remains fully committed to delivering HS2, viewing it as a long-term investment that boosts productivity and provides low-carbon alternatives.
  • Despite challenges, key elements of HS2 remain on track, and additional investments improving inter-regional rail connections are planned.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Philip Davies Con
Economy Transport
Context

The question arises from ongoing concerns about the HS2 rail project's costs and its perceived value to taxpayers.

Question

What discussions has he had with the Secretary of State for Transport on the cost of HS2?

Answer from John Glen

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.

Answered
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Q2 Philip Davies Con
Economy Transport
Context

The MP questions the economic feasibility of HS2 as costs rise, challenging the government's continued commitment.

Question

What would be the cost threshold for HS2 to no longer represent value for money? Is the Government committed regardless of final bill?

Answer from John Glen

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: cost threshold beyond which the project will not proceed

How: Fully Committed

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Q3 Graham Stringer Lab Blackley and Middleton South
Economy Transport
Context

Concerns over poor productivity gains in the UK linked to insufficient national infrastructure investments, including HS2 delays.

Question

Does he agree that low UK productivity is due to lack of infrastructure investment? Slowing down HS2 undermines infrastructure improvement efforts.

Answer from John Glen

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specifics about HS2 impact on productivity

How: Critical Investment

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Q4 Greg Smith Con Mid Buckinghamshire
Transport
Context

Concerns over rising HS2 costs since its inception under the last Labour Government, questioning affordability.

Question

Considering ballooning costs, can we afford HS2? The profile of investment changes with trains not going to central London stations as initially planned.

Answer from John Glen

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: current affordability of HS2 given cost changes

How: Ambitious, Challenges

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Q5 John Spellar Lab
Economy Transport
Context

Concerns over cost-benefit analysis for HS2 in light of changes due to the pandemic, working from home, and video conferencing.

Question

Is he concerned about cost-benefit analyses for HS2? Have assumptions changed regarding business travel patterns post-pandemic?

Answer from John Glen

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: re-evaluation of HS2 post-pandemic changes

How: Pandemic Impacts

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Q6 Esther McVey Con Tatton
Transport
Context

Concerns over HS2's potential negative impact on north-London train services, specifically Wilmslow station.

Question

If accommodating HS2 means fewer trains between the north and London, affecting stations like Wilmslow, would HS2 no longer be value for money?

Answer from John Glen

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: impact on north-London train services due to HS2

How: Additional Benefits

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Q7 Andrew Bridgen Con
Transport
Context

Concerns over the deliverability of HS2 in North West Leicestershire, questioning its continuation and proposing alternative uses for the budget.

Question

Given HS2's undeliverability, will he urge colleagues to cancel the eastern leg and allocate funds to reopen the Ivanhoe line?

Answer from John Glen

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: proposal to reallocate HS2 funds towards reopening Ivanhoe line

How: Strong Views, Tight Budget Management

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