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HS2 delay risks destroying govt's levelling up agenda, BTA chief warns

Government
Will Payne
10 March 2023

The chief executive of the Business Travel Association (BTA) has criticised the government’s decision to delay the construction of HS2 by a further two years, describing the move as a "sure-fire detonation" to the UK’s levelling up agenda.

Clive Wratten, chief executive of the Business Travel Association (BTA)

HS2 is set to become a new high speed rail line from London to the north-west, with trains linking Scotland with Manchester, Birmingham and the capital.

But in a bid to cut costs, the government confirmed on Thursday (9 March) the Birmingham-Crewe leg of HS2 will be delayed by two years to cut costs, further suggesting Euston station’s opening could also be delayed as an "affordable" design is worked on.

Transport secretary Mark Harper said the "responsible" decisions he outlined will ensure the government balances the budget at the same time as investing in the country’s transport network.