HS2 is a grandstand project – and the sums just don’t add up

HS2 is a solution looking for a problem. Since its conception, HS2 has been a tale of shape shifting as first it was about time, then about bridging the north south divide, then about capacity before we are told it is simply the right thing to do.

The reason the argument is shifting is because it is built of a poor business case which when scrutinised falls apart and reveals a tide of evasive evidence. Take for instance the principle argument when the HS2 scheme was unveiled by Labour. It was that 20 minutes could be saved on the journey time between London and Birmingham. Based on this, for Phase 1, the Department of Transport claimed HS2 will produce £1.40 of benefits for every £1 of subsidy spent. The Government categorises schemes below £1.50 as low value for money and this is before we even consider the subsequent increase in cost and expected further overruns.