 run by HS2, which began its operation in 2022 in Ruislip Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged the government against building a "mutilated" version of HS2. He said suggestions the high-speed rail link that began construction under his premiership could be scaled back were "Treasury-driven nonsense". Last week, the government refused to guarantee HS2 would continue between Birmingham and Manchester. It comes as more than 80 companies and business leaders seek clarity over the commitment to HS2. In a letter to the government, they expressed "deep concern" over "the constant uncertainty" that "plagues" the project. However, a government spokesperson said on Friday that "our focus remains on delivering" HS2. It was under Mr Johnson's government that HS2 - intended to link London, the Midlands and the north of England - was given the green light to start construction in 2020. The first part of HS2, between west London and Birmingham, is in mid-construction, and £2.3bn has already been put towards the next sections including on acquiring land and property. But the scheme as a whole has already faced delays, cost increases and cuts - including to the planned eastern leg between Birmingham and Leeds. On Thursday, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said it was to be expected that he and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak would have discussions when "major infrastructure projects overrun in their costs", but said no decisions had been made. Mr Johnson argues that what he calls "desperate truncations" would not yield any short-term savings "and make no difference to the case for tax cuts". He added that it would be "the height of insanity to announce all this just before a party conference in Manchester". He said: "It makes no sense at all to deliver a mutilated HS2", adding there was a "need" for the rail link in the north of England. The bosses of dozens of businesses and business groups - including){kind=link}
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged the government against building a “mutilated” version of HS2.
He said suggestions the high-speed rail link that began construction under his premiership could be scaled back were “Treasury-driven nonsense”.
Last week, the government refused to guarantee HS2 would continue between Birmingham and Manchester.
The BBC understands a definitive decision on HS2 will be made in the coming week.
On Saturday, more than 80 companies and business leaders seek clarity over the commitment to HS2.