Reviving HS2: Labour’s Commitment to Central London

British finance minister Rachel Reeves announced that the southern leg of the HS2 railway will extend to central London, with the government funding tunnelling to Euston station. This marks a reversal of previous plans to halt the line at Old Oak Common, reviving hopes for the multi-billion pound project.

In a decisive move, British finance minister Rachel Reeves stated on Wednesday that the southern leg of the HS2 railway should reach central London. To achieve this, she committed government funding to initiate the necessary tunnelling endeavors.

The HS2 project, crucial for connecting Birmingham with the capital, faced reductions under former leadership. Rishi Sunak's administration had planned for the railway line to terminate at Old Oak Common, a decision influenced by cost concerns, compounded by the cancellation of the northern leg between Birmingham and Manchester.

Reeves emphasized the Labour government's commitment to driving private investment in the area and completing the extension to Euston station. Originally proposed in 2010, the high-speed rail was intended to boost the UK's rail capacity and modernity. Despite soaring costs surpassing £100 billion, the project's legacy persists as efforts to match continental Europe's rail infrastructure continue.

(With inputs from agencies.)