High speed rail in the UK – HS2 and the independent review, delivery practicalities, and policy priorities in the new Parliament

With the new parliament beginning its work, it will be an opportunity for stakeholders and policymakers to consider:

• The implications of the independent review of the High Speed 2 project following its expected publication;
• The findings of the HS2 Chairman’s Stocktake – which reviewed the scope, timing, and cost efficiency of the project; and
• Next steps for Phase 2b (Crewe to Manchester and West Midlands to Leeds) and integrating high speed rail with Northern Powerhouse Rail.

The agenda:

• Key issues arising from the independent review of High Speed 2;
• Next steps for HS2 – route design, community engagement, and enabling additional capacity in the network;
• Incorporating the views of passengers from the design stage through to operation;
• Addressing the practicalities of delivering high speed rail – engineering, environmental impact, and supply chain resource management;
• The outlook for Phase 2b – integration into the wider transport network, supporting economic growth, and delivering cost-efficient sustainable infrastructure:
  • Integrating High Speed Rail with Northern Powerhouse Rail;
  • Supporting and sustaining regional growth; and
  • Ensuring value for money in the delivery of HS2.
• The future direction of High Speed Rail in the UK.