Work to start ‘within weeks’ as PM gives green light to HS2

Boris Johnson has given his backing for the whole of the HS2 high speed line to go ahead, with work starting within weeks.

The Prime Minister announced the decision in the House of Commons, saying his government believed that going ahead was the best thing to do – despite spiralling costs.

Johnson said he will appoint a full-time Minister to oversee the project, after criticising “poor management” and costs that have “exploded”.

The first phase of the high speed line will travel between London and Birmingham, with a second phase going to Manchester and Leeds – and through an East Midlands hub at Toton.

East Midlands CBI regional director Richard Blackmore said: “The Prime Minister’s decision to back HS2 is exactly the sort of bold, decisive action required to inject confidence in the economy. It sends the right signal around the world that the UK is open for business.

“HS2 shows the government’s commitment to levelling up the nations and regions of the UK. The project will bring jobs, new homes, skills and investment to the areas of the country that need them most.

“Once built, HS2 will bring much needed capacity to our railways and help to realise the government’s promise of an ‘infrastructure revolution’ for the North, Midlands and beyond.

“The time for debate over HS2 is over and the time for delivery is now.”

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