'We will get those HS2 trains running' - Reeves

CHANCELLOR INSISTS PROJECT WILL BE DELIVERED IN AN 'AFFORDABLE WAY'

- ALEXANDER BROCK Local Democracy Reporter

Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Rachel Taylor MP during a visit to the West Midlands and, inset, construction of the HS2 route in Birmingham

CHANCELLOR Rachel Reeves has insisted the government 'will get HS2 trains running' - but could not confirm a date.

The high-speed railway project has been embroiled in controversy after being hit by serious challenges such as rising costs and delays.

Towards the end of last year, HS2 confirmed another setback when it revealed the aim of getting trains running between Birmingham and London's Old Oak Common Station in the target window of 2029 to 2033 could not be achieved.

Such issues have been met with frustration from residents and calls to axe the project from political figures such as Reform UK's deputy leader Richard Tice, who last year described it as the “train to nowhere”.

But during a recent visit to the West Midlands, the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves insisted that the HS2 trains would be delivered in an “affordable way”.