HS2 is the future and must be delivered as planned 

TSSA – the union representing staff directly employed by HS2 (High Speed 2) - has called on the Labour government not to back down on the planned timetable of getting trains running by 2033. 

The call comes ahead of the publication this week of a new report into HS2, by former National Security Adviser Sir Stephen Lovegrove, which is expected to conclude that long delays over the project have been down to a focus on achieving the highest possible speeds and political pressures. 

It’s thought the Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, is set to confirm trains won’t start running by the current target date of 2033. 

Commenting, TSSA General Secretary, Maryam Eslamdoust said - “The government must not use this new report to announce further delays in HS2. To do so would simply further undermine a project which is vital not only to the rail industry but the growth of the British economy at local, regional and national levels. 

“HS2 must be delivered as currently planned, with trains running by 2033, at full speed. Anything else will leave Britain in the slow lane when it comes to high-speed rail links, not just in comparison with other countries in Europe but also China.  

“What we need to see now is full, unequivocal backing for HS2 from Ministers, no more tinkering and delay.”