Passengers travelling from Wales and Cornwall may experience slower and more disruptive journeys to London due to the impact of HS2, according to a Labour MP. Jayne Kirkham, representing Truro and Falmouth, raised concerns in the Commons about the potential disruption caused by the HS2 Old Oak Common station works. Transport Secretary Louise Haigh assured efforts would be made to mitigate the effects on rail passengers between London Paddington and destinations like Bristol, Cardiff, and Plymouth. The Conservative shadow transport secretary, Helen Whately, highlighted projects paused by the Labour Government pending a financial review due to a reported £22 billion deficit. She urged the government to instill confidence in businesses, contractors, and communities in need of upgrades.
MP Kirkham emphasised the need for improvements in the South West’s railway system, calling it slow, fragile, and costly. She questioned whether the new HS2 station would lead to longer and more disruptive journeys. In response, Transport Secretary Haigh acknowledged the need to minimise passenger impact, with plans to potentially terminate trains at Ealing Broadway or Reading. She criticised the escalating costs and lack of community consultation around HS2, while affirming efforts to reduce disruption during the construction of Old Oak Common station. Works at the 14-platform station are ongoing, affecting services between Paddington, Reading, Euston, and Birmingham as part of the HS2 route.
Great Western Railway announced adjustments to some Paddington-bound trains, directing them to Euston on specific dates to accommodate construction activities. Conservative former prime minister Rishi Sunak had proposed private investments for HS2 in inner London to save taxpayer money, but concerns remain about the project’s efficacy. The shadow transport secretary pressed for the continuation of alternative infrastructure projects and sustained investment in the country’s transport network. Minister Haigh committed to announcing cost controls for HS2 soon, acknowledging the challenges inherited from the previous administration’s plans.
The discussion also touched upon a potential direct train route between Cleethorpes and London, with a Conservative MP raising concerns about the inclusion of Market Rasen station. Transport minister Lilian Greenwood reassured ongoing discussions with industry stakeholders on the feasibility of such a service. The debate underscored the intricate balance between infrastructure development, fiscal responsibility, and community needs within the UK rail network. As the government navigates these challenges, the focus remains on delivering efficient, accessible, and reliable transportation for all passengers across the country.
Overall, the dialogue in Parliament reflects the complexities surrounding major infrastructure projects like HS2 and the quest for enhancing rail connectivity while addressing financial constraints and local concerns. MPs and government officials continue to engage in robust discussions to find the right balance between progress and public interests in shaping the future of transportation networks in the UK. Stay tuned for further developments on HS2 and related initiatives aimed at transforming the country’s rail infrastructure for the benefit of all passengers.