Mary Creagh MP, Labour’s Shadow Transport Secretary, responding to David Higgins’ report into HS2, said

“We welcome David Higgins’ important report and his strong focus on the steps the Government needs to take to get High Speed 2 back on track and ensure value for money. For too long David Cameron’s Government has been mismanaging this project, which is why we raised concerns last year.

“We support HS2 because of the capacity constraints too many commuters on our railways face and will vote to support the Hybrid Bill at Second Reading when the Government finally brings it to Parliament. As always we will continue to hold the Government to account for keeping costs down on the project as the Bill progresses because there can be no blank cheque. David Higgins has made it clear that there are significant savings to be made if David Cameron gets a grip of this project and stops all these delays. The Government must now act so this scheme can be delivered under budget.

“On Phase Two, we are glad that more work will be done to link HS2 with future rail investment and that the greater focus we have been calling for on connectivity between our northern cities has replaced the Government’s previous take it or leave it approach. That is how we ensure the maximum benefits for the whole country from this project while we pressure the Government to keep the costs down.”