Will HS2 be scrapped and what has it cost so far?

Experts say cutting costs on the controversial high-speed rail project could mean a slower and less regular service linking fewer locations

HS2 train
The cost of completing HS2 has ballooned from £33bn a decade ago to an estimated £100bn today
(Image credit: DfT)

Amid reports of soaring costs caused by inflation, High Speed Two (HS2) railway bosses are reportedly contemplating scaling back the project significantly or scrapping it completely.

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Arion McNicoll is a freelance writer at The Week Digital and was previously the UK website’s editor. He has also held senior editorial roles at CNN, The Times and The Sunday Times. Along with his writing work, he co-hosts “Today in History with The Retrospectors”, Rethink Audio’s flagship daily podcast, and is a regular panellist (and occasional stand-in host) on “The Week Unwrapped”. He is also a judge for The Publisher Podcast Awards.