Speculation around HS2 undermines Government ambitions - Chamber

The speculation around cutting HS2 services will undermine the Governments ambitions, the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) said today.

Reports have emerged about a planned cut on HS2 services and train speeds to minimise the cost of the project.

Raj Kandola, head of policy at GBCC said: “Whilst we appreciate the need for fiscal responsibility, the latest speculation on the delivery of HS2 simply undermines the Government 's much vaunted ambition to bring prosperity to all parts of the country.

“Here in the Midlands we can see first-hand the huge economic benefits that HS2 brings to the region and we shouldn 't lose sight of the vital role it will play in driving our net zero ambitions.

“Spiralling inflation is having an impact on projects across the board and HS2 is no exception, however, the rate of inflation is expected to fall later this year and costs should hopefully start to fall in the coming months.

“Chopping and changing the delivery of HS2 will simply create more delays and ultimately more costs - we need the Government to stick to a plan and deliver it otherwise the uncertainty will hit both businesses and investors alike and see us languishing behind our global counterparts. ”

GBCC senior project and policy manager Emily Stubbs also spoke about the issue with BBC Radio 4 's PM programme. Click here to listen.