The Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has told the House of Commons on Wednesday that she will “sort out” the “appalling mess” of HS2.
This comes after there was confirmation HS2 will be delayed even further as there is “no route” to meet the target date of 2033.
Alexander told MPs in the Commons, “It’s an appalling mess, but it’s one we will sort out.
“We need to set targets which we can confidently deliver, that the public can trust, and that will take time.
“But rest assured, where there are inefficiencies, we will root them out.”
A spokesperson from the High Speed Rail Group said, “HS2 has long required a fundamental reset, and today’s reports mark an important step in that direction.
“Under the leadership of Mark Wild, the project is being refocused after years of instability, where repeated chops and changes to scope have inflated costs and disrupted delivery. This reset begins the difficult but essential task of restoring confidence in one of the UK’s most vital infrastructure projects.
“The supply chain remains fully committed to supporting HS2 Ltd in delivering the project with greater efficiency and improved productivity. Work is already underway to ensure it is delivered as cost-effectively as possible going forward.
“HSRG also welcomes the appointment of Mike Brown as Chair of HS2 Ltd. His leadership experience at Transport for London will bring valuable expertise as he helps to rebuild a strong and collaborative relationship between HS2 Ltd and the Department for Transport. This partnership will be essential to the success of the reset and the project’s long-term future.
“Rail infrastructure remains key to turbo-charging the economies of our regional cities. If delivered successfully, HS2 will unlock national capacity, enhance regional connectivity, and drive long-term economic growth across the UK, setting the whole country up for future success.”
