A new report has criticised what transport secretary Heidi Alexander has called a “litany of failure” at HS2.
The Stewart Review into the megaproject flags historic mishandling, lack of ministerial oversight and scrutiny, inadequate control of the project by HS2 Ltd and a lack of effective incentives with the supply chain that will result in taxpayers paying billions more than originally planned.
The review, led by former KPMG chairman of infrastructure James Stewart, was commissioned by the government in October 2024.
Speaking at the House of Commons on 18 June, Alexander accepted the report’s recommendations and said she is “drawing a line in the sand”.
She said: “The government not only welcomes the review, but we have accepted all its recommendations.
“This must be a line in the sand. This government is delivering HS2 from Birmingham to London after years of mismanagement, flawed reporting and ineffective oversight.”
‘An appalling mess’
Following the report’s findings, Alexander announced that the project will be delayed by at least two years, with trains running no earlier than 2033.
She confirmed that former Transport for London commissioner Mike Brown will take over as HS2 Ltd chair. He will work alongside CEO Mark Wild to deliver a programme reset, including reviewing the costs and schedule, renegotiating HS2’s large construction contracts and reviewing HS2 Ltd’s skills and structure.
She asked Wild to be ready to provide an update on revised costs and delivery timescales at the end of the year.
“It’s an appalling mess. But it’s one we will sort out,” the transport secretary said.
“Mark Wild and Mike Brown were part of the team, with me, that turned Crossrail into the Elizabeth Line – we have done it before, we will do it again.
“Passengers and taxpayers deserve new railways the country can be proud of and the work to get HS2 back on track is firmly underway.”
