Over the past fifteen years, over £30 billion has been spent on the promise of a revolutionary high-speed railway – however a single train is yet to leave the station. The project has been delayed repeatedly and costs have continued to rise. With no end in sight, it begs the question – where has the money gone?
Those in charge of HS2 have lied from the very beginning, falsifying estimates and hiding any reports that expose the false narrative they have been reaping the benefits from. The truth is simple: HS2 was never deliverable within the initial budget, and those in charge have known that fact from day one. Instead of connecting the country HS2, has further divided the North and the South, all while lining the pockets of a select few with taxpayer money. With the new government set on continuing HS2, there is no end in sight, and institutional corruption continues to be rewarded. Something needs to be done.
Current estimated cost of HS2, more than double the original estimate.
The initial budget in 2009, now a distant memory.
Homes and businesses acquired through compulsory purchases for a project now scaled back or cancelled entirely.
Spent on the Northern Leg before it was scrapped, leaving taxpayers with nothing.
In 2013, officials claimed a 95% confidence level in the original cost estimate. We now know this was wildly inaccurate.
3x Increase in Land – Between 2011 and 2014, the amount of land required for Phase One tripled, leading to astronomical costs.
Role:
The architect of HS2, Adonis spearheaded the project under the Labour Government. Despite good intentions, the project's fundamental flaws were evident from the start.
Responsibility:
Adonis pushed forward with a budget that was overly optimistic and failed to account for future challenges.
Role:
Hammond approved the project's capital cost estimate of £16.28 billion.
Responsibility:
His approval came despite warnings about the true costs being underestimated. Hammond's legacy is one of financial misjudgment.
Role:
Greening carried the project forward but faced growing internal criticism about HS2's viability.
Responsibility:
Failed to address early concerns from whistleblowers and financial experts.
Role:
As the chair of HS2 Ltd, Higgins played a crucial role in promoting the project's viability despite ballooning costs.
Responsibility:
Higgins' reviews were filled with overly optimistic projections, undermining confidence in the project’s cost control.
Role:
Grayling faced significant criticism for ignoring warnings about HS2’s financial viability during his tenure.
Responsibility:
Continued to endorse the project as costs soared.
Role:
Oversaw the project as costs continued to rise unchecked.
Responsibility:
Failed to take decisive action to address financial mismanagement, leading to the Northern leg's eventual cancellation.
Role:
Private sector actors profited immensely from HS2. Their influence over decision-making and financial reporting has been widely criticised.
Responsibility:
Their reports and advice helped push HS2 forward, often at the taxpayer’s expense, without sufficient oversight.
Role:
Thurston Oversaw the entire HS2 operation, and was ultimately responsible for approving cost estimates and delivering the project within budget. In 2022/3 he was the highest paid public sector employee in the country.
Responsibility:
Failed to deliver HS2 for six years. Continually presented HS2 as a viable project that could operate within budget for years, all while costs rose and progress stalled.
Role:
Hillier was responsible for approving the budget requests of the DfT and ensuring that HS2 could justify their need for funds.
Responsibility:
Failed to hold HS2 Ltd accountable for the spiralling costs of the project, and refused to listen to the warnings that the cost estimates were based on lies.
Role:
Kelly is responsible for overseeing the Department for Transport’s proper governance and risk management, this includes the funding of HS2.
Responsibility:
Failed to properly inform the Public Accounts Committee about the true costs of HS2, ensuring continued funding for a project operating massively over budget.
Role:
Eckett has overseen the process of purchasing homes and businesses along the entire HS2 route.
Responsibility:
The mismanagement of property cost estimates led to rising prices and the creation of ghost towns on abandoned stretches of the HS2 route. Millions have been wasted on land along the HS2 route that will never be built.
The scale of HS2's corruption demands more than outrage - it demands action.
Together, we can push for accountability, transparency, and criminal investigations.
Here’s what you can do:
