Vanity project?
TaxPayers’ Alliance has launched a scathing attack on the HS2 project branding it an expensive vanity project and calling it to be axed.
The think tank argued the transport project will be over-budget and would not be delivered on time.
Jonathan Isaby, chief executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: “HS2 is a wasteful vanity project which is unlikely to be completed on schedule and will cost taxpayers a fortune.
“The new Prime Minister should now be pursuing bold and imaginative policies to boost economic growth and increase productivity – and that positive approach must include scrapping HS2, which has cost taxpayers far too much already. Ministers should instead be embarking on more worthwhile infrastructure projects that will cost less and deliver far better value.”
A Department for Transport spokesman said: “The case for HS2 is absolutely clear. It will create jobs and skills now and will help spread opportunity and growth in the longer-term and bring our country closer together.
“The economic benefit of HS2 has been recognised by MPs of all parties and is strongly supported by Northern and Midlands cities.
“The National Audit Office has confirmed HS2 is on track and the Transport Select Committee also said it is confident the scheme is the only practical way to significantly increase rail capacity.
“We keep a tough grip on costs and are on schedule to deliver the scheme on time and budget.”
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