Andy McDonald MP, Labour’s Shadow Transport Secretary, commenting on the Government’s refusal to set up an inquiry into the cancellation of HS2 Ltd’s £170 million contract with engineering firm CH2M, said:

“I’m staggered Chris Grayling thinks the growing revolving door scandal over HS2 Ltd, CH2M and a £170m contract is ‘not a massive issue.’

“The fact both HS2 Ltd’s Chief Executive and his predecessor previously worked for CH2M and a former HS2 Chief of Staff worked on the winning bid for CH2M should have rung alarm bells at the Department for Transport

“Now HS2’s Director General has resigned and Phase 2 could be delayed even further.

“This whole business stinks to high heaven, and the Department for Transport must urgently address the key questions. When did it know about these substantial conflicts of interest and what due diligence did it do on the bid?”

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