HS2 to Euston ‘uncertain’ as station cost doubles to £5bn

by Rory Butler /  March 27, 2023

Levelling-Up Secretary Michael Gove told The Andrew Neil Show there was a “debate” about whether the high-speed rail project should end in the capital, or Old Oak Common, a west London suburb. 

It comes after Chancellor Jeremy Hunt quashed reports in January that the line might not reach Euston due to soaring inflation, assuring it would. 

It could mean additional costs and higher spending, said the National Audit Office (NAO). 

The Government recently announced it will prioritise initial services by 2033 between Old Oak Common and Birmingham Curzon Street – meaning passengers will have to ride the Elizabeth Line for 30 minutes into central London for years to come.  

However, Mr Gove has now said he cannot confirm the line linking Old Oak Common and Euston would ever be constructed. “I don’t know what the final decision will be about where the terminus will be,” he said. 

This latest development follows Transport Secretary Mark Harper’s recent announcement the Birmingham to Crewe section of HS2 will be delayed by two years due to inflation.  

Then Shadow Transport Secretary Louise Haigh told MPs in the House of Commons (HoC) a leaked document by “senior officials” seen by Labour revealed the delays “will increase costs” and could put construction firms out of business. 

The Government said it does not comment on leaked documents.  

If you enjoyed this article, we also recommend Govt slammed over ‘sluggish’ delivery of major infrastructure