HS2 speculation
HS2 chairman dismisses speculation over threat to Leeds route… and contractors enter Euston terminus site.
REPORTS that the HS2 route to Leeds will not be built have been described as “speculation” by HS2 Ltd Chairman Allan Cook CBE.
Speaking exclusively to RAIL on July 16, Cook said: “I and Douglas Oakervee both said it was essential to build the ‘Y-shape’ route. Speculation that it won’t happen is just that - speculation. If we are to help the UK benefit and level up the economy, we have to continue with this.”
Cook (pictured) wrote a stocktake for Government last year that was published in September, while Oakervee carried out a review that was published in February.
HS2 finally received its Notice to Proceed in April this year, having received Royal Assent for Phase 1 in February 2017.
The latest speculation follows concern that HS2’s eastern section may not be built ( RAIL 909), and that trains will run to the North West first despite the Benefit:Cost Ratio (BCR) for HS2 to Leeds being twice that of Manchester.
Cook also told RAIL that he hopes the High Speed Rail (West Midlands-Crewe) Bill for Phase 2a
of HS2 will be able to progress once lockdown eases.
A second reading of the Bill took place on September 9 last year. Following December’s General Election, the Bill was reintroduced in the House of Commons on March 3 and was deemed to have passed all the stages that it had done previously.
However, the appointed Select Committee adjourned two weeks later due to the Coronavirus outbreak, with no definite date for its resumption.
Cook said Phase 2b was part of the Integrated Rail Plan (IRP) being worked on by the National Infrastructure Commission.
“Sir John Armitt is leading the NIC and has been a very big supporter of HS2.
“However, it will be an impartial view and will take on-board the views of the regions. When the report is finalised it will be fair and measured,” he said.
Passengers should also expect to have a “very enjoyable experience” when travelling on HS2, he said, although he added that no firm decisions have been taken regarding rolling stock.
“We want to have it nice for passengers. Currently the West Coast Main Line isn’t. It’s packed, using a Victorian system and stock that needs to be replaced.”