HS2: Phase one of high-speed rail line gets go-ahead

Controversial new high-speed rail line between London and Birmingham has been given the go-ahead by government.

This first phase of High Speed Two (HS2) could be running by 2026, later extending to northern England.
Transport Secretary Justine Greening has announced extra tunnelling along the 90-mile (140km) first phase in response to environmental concerns.

Opponents also dispute government claims the whole project will cost £32bn and deliver benefits worth £47bn.
The first phase of the project would cut London-Birmingham journey times, on 225mph trains, to 49 minutes, Ms Greening said.

This would be followed by a second phase of Y-shaped track reaching Manchester and Leeds by about 2033.
In a written statement on Tuesday, Ms Greening announced approval for what she called "the most significant transport infrastructure project since the building of the motorways".

"By following in the footsteps of the 19th Century railway pioneers, the government is signalling its commitment to providing 21st Century infrastructure and connections - laying the groundwork for long-term, sustainable economic growth," she said.

The minister pledged a commitment to "developing a network with the lowest feasible impacts on local communities and the natural environment".

"I have been mindful that we must safeguard the natural environment as far as possible, both for the benefit of those enjoying our beautiful countryside today and for future generations."

Changes to the plans, which Ms Greening said now meant "more than half the route will now be mitigated by tunnel or cutting", include new or extended tunnels at Amersham in Buckinghamshire; Ruislip in north-west London; Greatworth in Northamptonshire; Turweston in Buckinghamshire; Chipping Warden and Aston le Walls in Northamptonshire; Wendover in Buckinghamshire; and Long Itchington Wood in Warwickshire.

Protest groups formed to oppose the scheme say the planned route crosses an area of outstanding natural beauty and it will damage the environment.

Opponents have also challenged the government's economic argument, suggesting the costs will be greater while the economic benefits will be lower than forecast.

The Institute of Economic Affairs think tank believes the business case for HS2 is based on an overly optimistic prediction about how much and how fast demand for long-distance train travel will grow.

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