HS2 a "national embarrassment", say Lib Dems

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HS2 a "national embarrassment", say Lib Dems

Responding to the news that HS2 could cost up to £102.7bn and may not open until 2039, Liberal Democrat Transport Spokesperson, Olly Glover MP, said:

"The massive cost and timescale escalations of HS2, one of the most expensive civil engineering projects in human history, are a national embarrassment.

"Yet there is no question we still need long-distance rail capacity, so we can make better use of existing lines, for freight and regional trains.

"The previous Conservative Government's shocking mismanagement of HS2 has resulted in years of delays and billions of pounds of taxpayers' money being poured down the drain.

“It's time we learnt from and embraced the good practice and wisdom of allies such as France, who have been building high speed lines for decades, at costs per mile at least 90% lower than HS2's.”

ENDS