Overview

• Heidi Alexander told MPs there is no route to deliver HS2 by 2033, confirming further slippage of at least two years for the London–Birmingham phase.
• Official data show HS2’s budget rose by £37 billion between 2012 and 2024, and independent experts warn total costs could exceed £100 billion at current prices.
• Alexander blamed a “litany of failure” involving constant scope changes, ineffective contracts and poor management for billions of pounds wasted.
• HS2 Ltd has reported a subcontractor to HMRC over alleged inflated costs and whistleblowers have received compensation after raising fraud concerns.
• A governance review by James Stewart, an interim construction assessment by HS2 CEO Mark Wild and the appointment of former TfL commissioner Mike Brown as HS2 Ltd chair aim to overhaul oversight and restore trust.