High-speed rail leaders group hits back at Conservative HS2 report

The High Speed Rail Industry Leaders group (HSRIL) has criticised a report by the Greater London Authority Conservatives which argues that Phase 1 of HS2 should be scrapped in favour of Northern Powerhouse Rail and Crossrail 2.

The report says the main arguments for HS2 - capacity, economic growth, reduced journey times and environmental benefits - are “flawed”.

London Assembly member Tony Arbour said HS2’s costs are “indefensible” and that the project is set to “wreak environmental damage across swathes of London”.

He added: “The Government is entirely right to review this project, and I sincerely hope that they conclude that the eye-watering amount of money earmarked for HS2 would be better spent on alternative transport infrastructure projects.

“By investing in both Crossrail 2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail, the Government could achieve so much more for less, both in terms of connectivity and growth.”

However, HSRIL argues that presenting a choice between HS2 and better east-west links in the North “is akin to suggesting that the M62 should have been built, but not the M1”.

It maintains that HS2 is a prerequisite for Northern Powerhouse Rail and that two links will use the new railway’s infrastructure.

The report acknowledges that cancelling HS2 would have a negative impact on the Old Oak Common and Park Royal development schemes, which are expected to provide 25,500 new homes and 65,000 new jobs that could be at risk if HS2 were cancelled.

Environmental claims in the report were also dismissed by HSRIL, which points out that HS2 will emit seven times less carbon per passenger-kilometre than an equivalent car journey and 17 times less than the equivalent domestic flight, based on projected carbon emissions in 2030.

“We wholeheartedly support Lord Adonis’ assertion that you cannot pull up by the roots the delivery of a major infrastructure project agreed by both of the major parties,” HSRIL concluded. ■ The Bill to approve Phase 2a of HS2, which links Phase 1 near Lichfield with Crewe, passed its Second Reading in the House of Lords on September 9 and has now been passed on to a Select Committee to consider petitions against it.

The committee is expected to be established in October, when Parliament returns after prorogation.