Bath MP Slams Government Decision to Scrap the Northern Leg of HS2 as a “Waste of Taxpayer Money.”

17 January 2024

On 17th January, Wera Hobhouse, Member of Parliament for Bath and Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Transport, gave a speech to Parliament slamming the government’s decision to scrap the northern leg of HS2.

Speaking in a debate on the cancellation of the northern leg of HS2 led by Jack Brereton MP, Mrs Hobhouse outlined the many flaws in both the decision to scrap the high-speed rail project and the government's approach to transportation infrastructure.

The Bath MP lambasted the government for allowing HS2 costs to balloon into billions, before turning their backs on the project. Mrs Hobhouse explained the economic consequences of scrapping the northern leg of HS2, noting that tens of thousands of jobs and billions of pounds in economic growth depended on it. It was also noted that the Institution of Civil Engineers projected that delaying the project would mean construction firms would shift their focus to other countries, in turn affecting UK investment.

She also highlighted that if the Conservatives were serious about the climate crisis, they would recognise the importance of public transportation to meet Britain's net zero emission targets, as rail produces over 70% less carbon dioxide per journey compared to equivalent road trips. Hobhouse also called out the government for failing to deliver on other major railway projects, like electrification, and for the lack of a long-term infrastructure strategy.

Wera Hobhouse, Member of Parliament for Bath and Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Transport, commented:

“Why would anyone look to invest in the UK when the Government changes their mind with the wind? I have long supported HS2. High-speed rail should modernise our railways, connect more of the country, and increase capacity.

“The model of bad government is one that spends billions of pounds on a project to get cold feet and pull the plug at the last minute. That is exactly what has happened here. The government's decision to scrap the northern leg of HS2 is a colossal waste of taxpayers' money and opportunities for improving rail infrastructure.”