High Speed 2 chiefs: Delays could jeopardise scheme (From Bucks Free Press)

• "@gibbshome - you make some valid points. I would raise the following challenges; a) we know that the change in BCR is part of a game being played in advance of any court room shenanigans involved with the Judicial Reviews lodged by anti-campaign groups and b) who are the people sitting on the MPA - we know what their role is supposed to be and perhaps flagging up concerns forms part of that process - the point I am raising here is that Quangos are just as vulnerable to political pressure (for or against a particular policy) being exerted in a less than transparent fashion. If we really have to focus on the BCR and it has become a cause celebre for anti-HS2 campaigners, the ratio of measured benefits to costs is primarily driven by the total headline budgeted cost - it is here that I share concerns with those viscerally opposed to the project - just why does it cost so **** much to build HS2, in comparison with other similar projects on the other side of La Manche, eg. 302km Tours - Bordeaux extension of the LGV Atlantique; total cost = 7.8bn€ or approx. £6.50bn - that's less than 40% on a pro-rata comparison basis. I realise that the headline budget for HS2 has been inflated by its inheritance of a complete rebuild of Euston as London terminus (which was on the cards anyway but perhaps not so comprehensive) which has added perhaps £3bn, plus tunnelling under London is expensive and agricultural land costs in the UK are approx four times those in France, but all of these factors still don't add up to the massive differential in total costs. It is on this aspect of HS2 that public scrutiny SHOULD be focussed, demanding much more transparency in the tendering & procurement process - sadly the antics of anti-HS2 campaign groups are deflecting public gaze from this vital element of the HS2 debate - it might be argued that the activities of anti-HS2 campaigners could end up costing all UK taxpayers many £billions wasted in excess profits for the companies involved in designing and constructing the new line - ironic isn't it?"
• * Your name This field is mandatory
• * Your email This field is mandatory
• Reason

  Please note we will not accept reports with HTML tags or URLs in them.

• 
  Enter the above word in the box below
  
  

Please be fair, courteous and respectful to the views of others so we can build a vibrant community in a safe online environment. You are personal liable for your comments and action will be taken against anyone who offends, ridicules or posts malicious and damaging views. If you wish to complain, please contact us.