HS2’s northern extension may NEVER be built due to ‘public opposition’, Transport Secretary admits
THE second phase of the controversial HS2 may NEVER be built due to "public opposition", the Transport Secretary has suggested.
Chris Grayling has admitted that the northern extension, connecting Birmingham to Leeds, was "not in the bag" - despite construction being due to start in 2024.
According to , he told a rail industry conference in London: “This industry has got to help make the case for HS2. We have got to continue making that case for it.
“It will be a fantastic railway, one of the best in Europe but it still needs support if it is to definitely go to Leeds and connect to the Northern Powerhouse Rail.”
The first phase of HS2 was approved in 2014, despite opposition from 50 MPs, and work is due to begin.
Ale a bill for phase 2a - from Birmingham to Crewe - is currently going through the Commons.
Legislation that will allow the line to be constructed to Manchester and Leeds is scheduled for 2020, however Mr Grayling's comments calling for support implies he fears opposition.
It comes after two Cabinet ministers suggested the route should be cancelled entirely, while a third said it should be served by other forms of transport instead, the reported.
But the £56billion project has been branded a "game changer" by ministers because many services are currently "full to overflowing".
The high speed rail line is expected to increase capacity on Britain's railways, slash journey times and give passengers a place to sit with thousands of extra seats every day.
Once complete in 2033, the number of passengers between London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds per hour could treble to 15,000.
And there should be 48 commuter and intercity trains an hour between London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds - a 65 per cent rise from the current 29.
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HS2 boss Sir Terry Morgan also told the conference last month: "I absolutely do think that we still have a selling case to do for HS2.
“The truth is, that without the northern section of HS2 there isn’t a business case for the line at all.
“You wouldn’t do HS2 on the basis of Phase 1 [London to Birmingham] on its own. HS2 definitely needs Phase 2, otherwise it does not work.”
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