Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

HS2 Spends £37 Million on Cancelled Rail Route Amid Controversy

12/31/2025

40 9

Summary

Story summary

HS2 spent £37 million on property acquisitions along a now-cancelled high-speed rail route.
After phase 2 was scrapped by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, HS2 continued purchasing along the eastern leg, spending £25.5 million on 25 sites and £11.7 million on 30 properties.
Critics, including Sir Gavin Williamson, called the spending insane and a waste.
The Department for Transport said halting these sales would be unfair to property owners.

1 of 1

Story summary

HS2 spent £37 million on property acquisitions along a now-cancelled high-speed rail route.
After phase 2 was scrapped by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, HS2 continued purchasing along the eastern leg, spending £25.5 million on 25 sites and £11.7 million on 30 properties.
Critics, including Sir Gavin Williamson, called the spending insane and a waste.
The Department for Transport said halting these sales would be unfair to property owners.