TaxPayers’ Alliance responds to reports that HS2 will continue beyond Birmingham

Responding to reports that the government will reverse the decision to scrap phase 2a of HS2, John O'Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said:

“A decision to reverse changes to HS2 would only further derail the public finances, all for the sake of a massive white elephant that taxpayers simply can't afford.

“The case for HS2 has long since been torn to shreds by uncontrollable costs, changes to rail usage and the much greater need for investment in alternative projects.

“If Labour want to fill the black hole in the budget they'd be better off pulling the plug on the whole scheme.”