HS2 costs and timetable under review as speeds cut; Stephen Lovegrove, UK National Security Adviser and ex-Defence Permanent Secretary, back in the spotlight.
The government has disclosed a new price range for HS2 at up to £102.7bn (2026 prices) and confirms first services will be delayed to 2036–2039, with full completion possibly by 2043. Top speeds are being reduced and automatic operation may be dropped to cut costs; Lovegrove’s critical report is among the influencing reviews.