This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-51255438
The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
HS2: Cabinet minister has 'gut feeling' rail project will be cleared | |
(32 minutes later) | |
A cabinet minister has told the BBC it is his gut feeling that the HS2 high-speed rail line will get the go-ahead. | A cabinet minister has told the BBC it is his gut feeling that the HS2 high-speed rail line will get the go-ahead. |
Stephen Barclay told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show that the project was vital for "levelling up" the UK's transport network and improving capacity. | Stephen Barclay told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show that the project was vital for "levelling up" the UK's transport network and improving capacity. |
The Brexit secretary's comments come amid a row over the rising cost of the project, which could reach £106bn. | The Brexit secretary's comments come amid a row over the rising cost of the project, which could reach £106bn. |
The high-speed link is due to open between London and Birmingham at the end of 2026. | The high-speed link is due to open between London and Birmingham at the end of 2026. |
A second phase, continuing the line to Leeds and Manchester, is set to be completed by 2032-33. | A second phase, continuing the line to Leeds and Manchester, is set to be completed by 2032-33. |
Mr Barclay was asked by Andrew Marr for his "gut feeling" about whether the HS2 would be approved. "Yes", he replied firmly. | |
He said the government had given a "clear commitment to level up all parts of the United Kingdom... HS2 plays an important part in that". | He said the government had given a "clear commitment to level up all parts of the United Kingdom... HS2 plays an important part in that". |
That levelling up was not just about improving the speed of transport, but also improving capacity in the UK. | That levelling up was not just about improving the speed of transport, but also improving capacity in the UK. |
Mr Barclay stressed, though, that it was "important that we also get value for money". | Mr Barclay stressed, though, that it was "important that we also get value for money". |
Earlier this month, a leaked government-commissioned review suggested the total cost of HS2 could reach £106bn. | Earlier this month, a leaked government-commissioned review suggested the total cost of HS2 could reach £106bn. |
The findings of the independent review, conducted by former HS2 Ltd chair Doug Oakervee, have not yet been officially published. The Department for Transport has indicated it will be published soon. | The findings of the independent review, conducted by former HS2 Ltd chair Doug Oakervee, have not yet been officially published. The Department for Transport has indicated it will be published soon. |
The Sunday Telegraph reported that former senior figures involved in HS2 have given signed statements to the prime minister's advisers, alleging the government-owned firm behind HS2 covered up spiralling costs on multiple occasions. | The Sunday Telegraph reported that former senior figures involved in HS2 have given signed statements to the prime minister's advisers, alleging the government-owned firm behind HS2 covered up spiralling costs on multiple occasions. |