Government launches HS2 review

The government has launched a review into the HS2 high speed rail line following mounting concerns over its cost and deliverability.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the review will look into how and whether HS2 should get the green light, affordability and efficiency, deliverability and scope and how it will connect with Northern Powerhouse Rail.

While Andy McDonald, Labour’s shadow transport secretary, said: "Labour supports an independent peer review to consider the project’s environmental and economic impact and its governance,”

The Federation of Small Businesses said: “Wider job creation, inward investment and transport projects across the north of England and Midlands hinge on HS2’s completion,".

The CBI stressed that: “The approval of HS2 phase one led to record levels of foreign direct investment in the West Midlands, with more than 7,000 new jobs created in Birmingham as a direct result of HS2, and over 100,000 more. We have seen and are continuing to see similar benefits right across the proposed route.”

More information available on BBC News website.