The strategic case for HS2, in terms of increasing rail capacity and generating regional growth, has still to be demonstrated clearly.

Thank you to the National Audit Office for saying what all Stop HS2 supporters have been saying for ages.

“It’s too early in the High Speed 2 programme to conclude on the likelihood of its achieving value for money. Our concern at this point is the lack of clarity around the Department’s objectives. The strategic case for the network should be better developed at this stage of the programme. It is intended to demonstrate the need for the line but so far presents limited evidence on forecast passenger demand and expected capacity shortages on existing lines. It is also unclear how High Speed 2 will transform regional economies by delivering jobs and growth. The Department is trying against a challenging timetable to strengthen its evidence and analysis, which at present provide a weak foundation for securing and demonstrating success in the programme in future."

Amyas Morse, head of the National Audit Office, 16 May 2013

If you want to see the full report from the National Audit Office then click on this link:

http://www.nao.org.uk/report/high-speed-2-a-review-of-early-programme-preparation/

BUT DON'T THINK THAT YOU CAN ALL RELAX - WE NEED TO KEEP PUSHING TO GET THIS ENORMOUS NONSENSE BURIED.