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New doubts have emerged about the government’s efforts to level up after leaked documents show that planned delays in a major infrastructure project, HS2, will increase costs and lead to job losses. I’m here.
A Department of Transportation impact assessment obtained by the Labor Department reveals warnings from senior officials that last week’s decision to delay construction of a high-speed rail line could lead to the bankruptcy of construction firms.
A document drafted by senior civil servants within the DfT acknowledged that there would be “some impact on work” as a result of the delay, adding that “deferring spending on the program will incur additional costs.”
The briefing, which will take the form of a question-and-answer session, said the government would “handle the contractual consequences of these announcements” and also warned it could face compensation claims from companies that went bankrupt as a result of its actions. ing.
Labor said the document “blows away” claims by Transport Secretary Mark Harper that extending HS2 timetables would save money.
Mr Harper announced last week that the HS2 schedule would be revised, delaying the Birmingham to Crewe leg by two years as a cost-cutting measure.
Plans to extend the line to London’s Euston station and Manchester are also facing delays, with Mr Harper “prioritizing” the first service between Old Oak Common and Birmingham Curzon Street in the western London suburbs.
Leaked documents reveal that HS2 trains will continue to terminate at Old Oak Common outside London until 2041, with trains to Manchester not running until the same time.
Revealing the leak at Commons, Shadow Transport Secretary Louise High said, “The ridiculous plan will hurt jobs, stunt growth and put even more strain on taxpayers.”
She added: “What is more emblematic of this failed government than their flagship upgrade project that reaches neither north nor central London?”
Conservative Party officials have asked ministers to clarify whether the project will be further delayed.
Ian Stewart, the Conservative chairman of the Commons Transport Commission, asked for assurances that HS2 would not suffer further delays.
He added: Industry and the public want certainty about this. “
Conservative MP Jack Bretton was critical of the postponement, saying the plan meant “great pain with little or no gain” for voters.
He added: “I am very concerned, and a lot of people I have heard are very concerned, especially Phase 2, which will actually reduce the capacity of some of our existing services. “
Former Conservative Minister Alec Sherbrooke cast doubt on the future of HS2’s northern expansion to include Leeds, telling Commons:
Railways Minister Hugh Merriman said the government had not commented on the leaked documents, but added that the government was taking a “fully responsible approach”.