Government must ensure HS2 delivery as soon as possible - TSSA

TSSA – the recognised union for HS2 staff – has said the government must do all it can to ensure HS2 is delivered as soon as possible after it was confirmed the high-speed railway will not now begin running before the intended start date of 2033. 

The move was announced by Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, to MPs in the Commons during which she outlined a reset and review approach on the back of two key reports about the project, highlighting ‘poor management’.

Commenting, TSSA General Secretary, Maryam Eslamdoust said: “Our union is pleased to hear that the government is committed to the delivery of what remains of HS2, after too much chopping and changing over the route and station design in the past. 

“We also appreciate that public money must always be wisely spent. However, it’s also vital that the government sets out a new timetable for when HS2 will be up and running and get it done as soon as possible. 

“Doing so will not only help restore public confidence but draw a line under the lost opportunities of the shambolic Conservative years in office.  

“It’s time now to look to the future and all that HS2 can be for our country - growing the economy at local, regional and national levels, based around clean and green high-speed rail.  

“This is not just about trains, but jobs, investment, connecting towns and cities, boosting productivity, levelling up regions, and attracting businesses. There is not a moment to lose.” 

HS2 (High Speed 2) was given the go ahead in 2012 and had first been planned to start operating next year (2026). In the years since – under Conservative governments - the eastern leg between Birmingham and Leeds was axed, followed by the cancellation of the planned line between Birmingham and Manchester.  

TSSA has always argued not only for HS2 to be built in full but to run all the way to cities in Scotland. 

TSSA is the recognised union for directly employed HS2 staff. Our members range from clerical and administrative staff, customer service representatives to project managers, engineers, and general managers. Our members specialise in delivering a railway to serve passengers and businesses.  

TSSA is an independent trade union for the transport and travel industries. We have thousands of members right across the UK and Ireland, working for the railways and associated companies, as well as ferries, bus services and the travel trade.