HS2 cost to rise say campaigners

The price tag of the HS2 rail project will inevitably rise, campaigners said today, after MPs asked bosses to downplay the £50 billion cost.

moreThe Transport Select Committee recommended HS2 Ltd actively promote the cost of the project as £28bn – which does not include contingencies or the cost of the trains.

Opponents to the scheme accused the MPs of trying to hoodwink the public. And even the Department for Transport today admitted it would be 'misleading' not to reveal the total budget.

Joe Rukin, campaign manager for Stop HS2, said: "When the Transport Select Committee delivered their report, they effectively told the Government to 'spin harder' to promote HS2.

The Government has responded by saying they will spin harder, but there is a limit to how far they can stretch things."

Louise Ellman MP, chair of the Transport Committee, added: "We support the strategic case for HS2 published recently by the Government."