The government has given the go ahead for £32bn high-speed rail project

Transport Secretary Justine Greening says the scheme will provide prosperity for the country.

By Teresa Goncalves Published 10 January 2012

The government announced today plans to go ahead with HS2 high-speed rail scheme, stating that the £32.7 billion project would be a good investment for the whole country.

Transport Secretary Justine Greening faces a long battle with her opponents who argue that there is no viable economic case for the project.

Greening announced that the high-speed rail, which will take commuters from London to Birmingham in just 45 minutes, will be completed by 2026. The second phase of the scheme is set to be completed by 2033, connecting Manchester and Leeds.

Greening also said the project would provide new jobs, growth and prosperity for the entire country.

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2 comments

Sat, 2012-01-14 18:16 — Eddy S (not verified)

great news wish we could start this today though.

infrastructure spend is much better form of govt spending than adding large numbers of admin jobs onto the state. its growth enhancing spend as opposed to the latter growth sapping spend.

Tue, 2012-02-28 16:37 — lijinyan

Infrastructure would be good for the country if it was thought out properly, HS2 will be terrible for those who live along lines, who at the moment cant sell or let their properties, never mind the noise, road closures including hanger lane, damage to heritage woodlands, so much for the government spending a pitance on keeping the countryside alive. Please try to see more than just money, the government is damaging the country on this one. HS1 was a failure and was sold to a foreign investor, and never mind that the trains are deemed a potential danger tried and tested in china who has now taken away investment for more. Please think.