Local MP urges government to complete HS2 project in full
By Ryan Parker 25th Sep 2023
Crewe and Nantwich MP, Dr Kieran Mullan, has urged the government to complete the HS2 project in full, amid reports it could be scrapped from Birmingham to Manchester.
Speculation is growing the Conservatives could soon scrap phase two of HS2, to save up to £34 billion as costs soar.
Phase 2a is planned to connect the West Midlands to Crewe.
Nub News has contacted both Congleton MP, Fiona Bruce and Cheshire East Council for a comment.
Phase 2b west would connect Crewe with Manchester, with phase 2b east planning to connect the West Midlands with East Midlands Parkway.
So far, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, has declined to comment on reports of scrapping the project, first reported in The Independent.
Reacting to the potential axing of HS2 to Crewe, Dr Mullan said: "I think it is vital we stay the course on HS2.
"It has huge potential to tackle levelling up, a problem generations in the making which is still acute.
"London has bounced back more strongly than the rest of the UK post pandemic.
"The re-phasing has bought time to focus again on where to save money, but I don't believe a series of smaller projects won't A: Face their own cost challenges and B: Spend years stuck in developmental quagmires.
"HS2 is already supporting growth in Birmingham and the North.
"Lets not risk unravelling a generational infrastructure project because of a short-term economic challenge."
HS2 has suffered from delays and spiralling costs, as well as widespread criticism on the effects the project would have on existing services.
The first part of HS2, between West London and Birmingham, is already being constructed and will be completed.
HS2 phase 2a's opening date has already been pushed back from 2033 to between 2035 and 2041.
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