A segment of the trouble-stricken HS2 rail network scrapped by the former Tory government could be saved by Keir Starmer’s Labour Party, according to an LBC report citing “insiders”.
The report suggested that the Phase 2a leg, which was meant to connect Birmingham to Crewe in Cheshire, could end up seeing the light of day.
Former prime minister Rishi Sunak made the controversial decision last year to scratch ‘Phase 2’ of the high-speed rail project in order to save £36 billion.
‘Phase 2b’ of HS2, which was meant to connect Crewe to Manchester, is unlikely to be assessed by Labour, although Starmer in July announced upgrades to existing rail infrastructure between the two hubs.
Costs associated with the ambitious project have spiralled out of control since the government announced the project over a decade ago.
Originally expected to cost around £37.5 billion, subsequent estimates pushed the project’s costs closer to £100 billion.
Starmer has held private discussions among colleagues regarding the Phase 2a leg, said LBC.