The Conservative government’s handling of the HS2 project has not inspired confidence – Andy McDonald

Andy McDonald MP, Labour’s Shadow
Secretary of State for Transport,
responding to the awarding of contracts to build the first phase of HS2, said:

“The last Labour government
initiated High Speed 2 and we continue to support the project to increase network
capacity and deliver economic benefits. 

“Labour will press the Government
to ensure that the route causes as little disruption as possible and those
affected are appropriately compensated.

“The Conservative government’s
handling of the project has not inspired confidence, with independent experts
already calculating cost over-runs of the initial section of almost twice the
official figures. The Transport Secretary must reassure the public that
there will be no repeat of the conflict of interest scandal between HS2 and
CH2M. He must also clarify what steps he has taken to assure himself of the
suitability of the decision to award contracts to Carillion, in light of the
company’s recent difficulties. 

“HS2 must deliver value for money
and retain public support, which means ensuring jobs and apprenticeships for
the UK workforce and, crucially, securing the best deal for taxpayers by
running services under public ownership, not for private profit.“