Reports this lunchtime suggest that the Government could be about to announce that the HS2 line north of Birmingham could be reinstated
Broadcaster LBC says that the line will run from London Euston to Crewe whereas the last Government ruled that it would only run from Oak Common to just North of Birmingham
The broadcaster says that Sir Keir Starmer is preparing to reverse the change to ‘Phase 2a’, as the route already has parliamentary approval – meaning the line will run from the capital beyond Birmingham to Crewe.
Insiders have told LBC that the Prime Minister held private discussions on the matter at last month’s Labour Party conference and that the government had been planning to make a formal announcement in the new year.
However HS2 Ltd will not be overseeing the works, with the works instead being handed to a private sector consortium.
A government source however has told Reuters
“We have always said we won’t be taking plans for HS2 phase 2 back off the shelf,” the source said, adding that the government was, however, committed to improving rail connectivity in northern England.
“Transport is an essential part of the government’s mission to rebuild Britain and grow our economy,” the source said.
