HS2 delayed beyond 2033 as minister attacks ‘appalling mess
GuardianJUN 4
HS2 UK Rail Project Faces Further Delays Beyond 2033
Above: The HS2 Curzon No.2 Viaduct in Birmingham, England, on June 18, 2025. Image copyright: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
The Spin
Labour Party narrative
The Tory government's handling of HS2 was an abysmal failure, with insufficient oversight, runaway costs, and poor management. Labour, however, will turn the project around. By recognizing the issues identified by the Wild review and implementing the recommendations of Stewart's review, the government will reset HS2, even if it requires a necessary delay to get back on track.
Reform Party narrative
After yet another HS2 delay, is now not the time to ask whether this is a good use of taxpayers' money? Especially when HS2 would only exacerbate, rather than heal, the north-south divide by funneling more money into London rather than expanding business to the north. HS2's funding should instead be used to improve existing railway lines, which would benefit millions of people.