TSSA calls for full and determined government support to deliver HS2

TSSA - the union representing staff directly employed by HS2 (High Speed 2) has called on the government to give ‘full and determined backing’ to make HS2 a reality, after further delays to the project were revealed, along with slower running speeds. 

In a statement to the House of Commons, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, outlined the expectation that trains will begin running between Old Oak Common in outer London and Birmingham by 2036 to 2039.  

The most recent target date had been 2033. Services from London Euston will not begin before 2040. 

With the cost of HS2 now between £87.7bn and £102.7b the government believes the changes will lower costs and deliver the project as soon as is possible – with trains now expected to run at 320 kph - down from 360 kph, but still in line with European and international standards.   

Commenting, TSSA General Secretary, Maryam Eslamdoust said - “After too many wasted years under the Conservatives we now seem to have some clarity about the future of HS2. That is welcome – but going forward we need full and determined backing from the government to ensure HS2 becomes a reality and not just a pipe dream. 

“We have already seen far too many delays to HS2 – all of which are unacceptable because this is a project which is vital not only to the rail industry but the British economy as a whole. 

“We urgently need to see greater connectivity at local, regional and national levels – the UK is already far behind other major economies around the world when it comes to high-speed rail.  

“What we are seeing is the impact of all the political flip-flopping on HS2 down the years. The public and the workforce at HS2 deserve so much better. Completing HS2 and connecting it with Northern Powerhouse Rail will revitalise train travel, which is the only clean, green mass transport system we have.” 

TSSA is the recognised union for directly employed HS2 staff. In May 2019, HS2 & TSSA established a National Collective Engagement Framework to formalise our relationship.