HS2: ‘Further example of this government rewarding failure’ 

• A REPORT of the National Audit Office has confirmed what local residents have witnessed over the past 13 years.

Neither the government nor High Speed 2 Ltd have come up with a realistic plan for bringing HS2 into a high value, densely populated area such as Euston.

Mark Thurston, HS2’s chief executive, has now announced that he is leaving the project. In 2021/22, he was the UK’s best paid civil servant, receiving some £623k. This is yet a further example of this government rewarding failure.

Over the past six years, local residents have been subjected to unprecedented disruption. Residents have lost their homes. Businesses have closed. Trees have been uprooted. Open spaces have been lost. Residents have been subject to noise and dirt.

This delay will give nothing back to the communities affected by HS2 work. Residents and businesses have a common vision: a time when HS2 works will finally end and they can get on with their lives.

It is estimated that the cost of the delay in Euston already exceeds £300million. The longer the delay, the greater the cost.

A clear plan is needed to get this project back on track and end the disruption to people’s lives and livelihoods.

That cannot come from this government who are incapable of doing anything. Their strategy is merely to push back any decision until after the election.

ANNE CLARKE
Labour London Assembly Member for Barnet & Camden