House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Rail Infrastructure
23 March 2026 · Department for Transport
Proposed by Heidi Alexander Lab Lewisham East
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The HS2 project is being reset to address cost overruns and delays.
- Mark Wild is assessing potential savings by reducing train speeds.
- Updated cost and schedule estimates will be published once assured.
Issue summary
The statement discusses the ongoing reset of the HS2 project to address cost overruns and delays, proposing a reassessment of the project's specifications.
Action requested
Mark Wild is assessing potential savings by reducing train speeds from 360 kph to a more standard high-speed railway level. The government will publish updated cost and schedule estimates once they are assured, with a report due before summer recess.
Key facts
- Mark Wild was given the task of resetting HS2.
- Current costs stand at £43.6 billion up to February 2026.
- Trains on current specifications will run at 360 kph, making them the fastest conventional high-speed trains in the world.
- A specification reduction could save billions and deliver HS2 sooner.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy