The HS2 rail link to Manchester could be axed as a result of the increasing number of people working from home, according to the Business Secretary, Kemi Badenoch. Badenoch hinted that the line from Birmingham to Manchester could be dropped after meeting with industry leaders. She stated in a recent interview with LBC radio, "We have to look at what businesses are saying. The last conversation I had was about people working from home. We have to start thinking differently about infrastructure."
Potential Savings of £34 Billion
The original cost of HS2 was estimated to be £30 billion, but it is now predicted to reach £91 billion. By shelving the Birmingham-Manchester stage of the project, savings of £34 billion could be made. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt expressed his concerns about the escalating costs and revealed discussions with the Prime Minister about the "overrun". He emphasized the need to find more cost-effective ways to deliver infrastructure projects without burdening taxpayers with billions of pounds in expenses.
Scrapping the North-Eastern Leg and Delays at Euston Station
In addition to the potential cancellation of the Birmingham-Manchester stage, the north-eastern leg of the HS2 line to Leeds has already been scrapped. Furthermore, construction work at Euston station has been on hold for two years, further contributing to the uncertainties surrounding the future of the project.
Government Pushes for Reduced Remote Working
As discussions continue regarding the future of HS2, top civil servant Alex Chisholm and minister Jeremy Quin have urged government officials to reduce the prevalence of remote working. This move suggests a desire to prioritize office-based work and potentially reshape the country's infrastructure plans in response to the changing work landscape.
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https://hellofaread.com/politics/keir-starmer-caught-on-camera-admitting-labour-dont-want-to-diverge-from-brussels-rules/
