London to Birmingham only: Is HS2 about to hit the buffers?

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is considering whether to scrap or delay the second phase of the HS2 high-speed railway which would link Birmingham with Manchester. Launched in 2009, HS2 was estimated to cost £37.5 billion, but that number has continued to climb, and some reports suggest the budget may now have surpassed £100 billion. The government says it is concerned at the rising costs during the UK’s current economic situation. As it stands, HS2 would run from Old Oak Common, in London's western suburbs, to Birmingham Curzon Street, when it begins operations between 2029 and 2033. Report by Jonesia. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn