HS2 to be delayed for up to seven more years as costs spiral £24billion over-budget

MINISTERS are poised to announce that HS2 will be delayed for up to seven years and come in £24billion over-budget.

The first leg of the new high-speed rail line between London and Birmingham was due to open in 2026 but is now expected to be put back until 2033.

Meanwhile, the budget for the whole project — including phase two from Manchester to Leeds — is expected to rise from £56billion to £80billion.

The Government will unveil the updates in a Commons statement later this week, the reported.

The delay is not thought to be as a result of the root-and-branch review of the entire HS2 project ordered by Boris Johnson last month.

Instead it is a Department for Transport decision based on a report by HS2 chairman Allan Cook, who warned earlier this year that the project was not possible within existing timetables.

The review committee is expected to report its findings by the autumn and the PM will make a “go or no-go” decision by the end of the year.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the review will consider reducing the 250mph speed of the trains, moving the terminal to Old Oak Common in West London rather than Euston.

He added it will also consider just building the London to Birmingham part of the line.

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