Latest editorial
THE government was accused of letting down northern cities today following the announcement that HS2 will be delayed and exceed its budget by up to £22 billion.
HS2 Ltd chairman Allan Cook admitted the company’s original plans did not “take sufficient account” of the difficulties of building a high-speed line through densely populated areas.
He said that the project’s budget was “unrealistic,” adding that the original projected cost of £55.7bn may now have to be raised to £78bn.
The real welfare dependency is at the top of our society, says ALAN SIMPSON
Mr Burnham's £2 cap on bus fares welcomed by trade unions
Only an ambitious programme of state-led investment can restore growth and improve living standards, argues MICHAEL BURKE
The HS2 debacle exposes what happens when public infrastructure is handed to private contractors – especially when set against China’s state-led high-speed rail success, says CARLOS MARTINEZ