Expert claims final bill for HS2 could be £108bn
Fresh doubt has been poured over the future of HS2 after an expert claimed costs on the project are out of control.
Lord Tom Berkeley, the deputy chair of an inquiry into the high-speed rail line, claimed costs have now soared to £108bn.
The Labour peer has also claimed MPs have been been “misled” about the costs which were £55bn in 2015.
HS2 Ltd’s latest official estimate for the project currently stands at £88bn.
Phase one will between London and Birmingham. It was initially planned to launch in 2026, but a recent report by HS2 Ltd said it could be pushed back until 2031.
Lord Berkeley has also claimed the project is running at least five years behind schedule and the new trains will not reach the north until 2040.
The peer was the deputy chairman of the independent Oakervee Review into HS2, which was set up by the government.
But he has now withdrawn his backing for the report – which is due to be published later this year.
“The aim must be to give these areas the same standard of commuting service as the south east, whilst, at the same time, improving the existing lines from London northwards,” he said.
Penny Gaines, chair of Stop HS2 said: “The case for HS2 has always been poor, and is simply getting worse.
“It is time for this white elephant of a project to be cancelled as quickly as possible.”
A Department for Transport spokesman said: “The government commissioned the Oakervee review to provide advice on how and whether to proceed with HS2, with an independent panel representing a range of viewpoints. Lord Berkeley’s report represents his personal view.”
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told Sky News: “Yes, the prime minister’s made it clear and we’ve got a review under way.
“We want to look at the best way to get value for money in relation to that substantial investment.
“We also want to make sure that we’ve got the best benefit from it in terms of the connectivity – not just in the South but in relation to the east, west in the northern region.”
