Lord Mandelson warns HS2 could be 'expensive mistake'

Date: 3/7/2013

Lord Mandelson has cast doubt over the economic viability of the HS2 project, writing in the Financial Times that the initiative could prove to be an "expensive mistake".

According to the former Business Secretary, the plans were "entirely speculative" when Gordon Brown's Government opted to float the idea.

"In 2010, when the then Labour Government decided to back HS2, we did so based on the best estimates of what it would involve," he said.

The warning comes just days after the Government increased the estimated cost of the scheme to £42.6 billion, with MPs split over just how extensive the supposed economic benefits of HS2 will prove to be.

However, in spite of Lord Mandelson's comments, the Labour party continues to voice its support for the project, which is expected to deliver thousands of jobs and create a strong trading link between the north and south of the UK.

Posted by Mary Treen

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