For immediate release
Responding to reports that the government will reverse the decision to scrap phase 2a of HS2, John O’Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said:
“A decision to reverse changes to HS2 would only further derail the public finances, all for the sake of a massive white elephant that taxpayers simply can’t afford.
“The case for HS2 has long since been torn to shreds by uncontrollable costs, changes to rail usage and the much greater need for investment in alternative projects.
“If Labour want to fill the black hole in the budget they’d be better off pulling the plug on the whole scheme.”
TPA spokespeople are available for live and pre-recorded broadcast interviews via 07795 084 113 (no texts)
Media Contact:
Elliot Keck
Head of Campaigns, TaxPayers' Alliance
[email protected]
24-hour media hotline: 07795 084 113 (no texts)
Notes to editors:
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Founded in 2004 by Matthew Elliott and Andrew Allum, the TaxPayers' Alliance (TPA) campaigns to reform taxes and public services, cut waste and speak up for British taxpayers. Find out more at www.taxpayersalliance.com.
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TaxPayers' Alliance's research council.
- The TaxPayers’ Alliance have been warning about the costs of HS2 since 2011. In February 2017 the TaxPayers' Alliance estimated the cost of HS2 at between £90.8 billion and £99.9 billion. In 2020 we estimated potential costs rising to £150 billion.