Construction to start on HS2 as Hybrid Bill receives Royal assent

The hybrid bill enabling phase 1 of high speed two (HS2), the new rail line that will eventually link Leeds and Manchester to Birmingham and thence to London, has received Royal assent after three years of scrutiny by both Houses of Parliament. This marks the beginning of the active phase of the project, and the Department of Transport said that schemes to allow compensate communities along the route will now open for applications, and that construction will start within the next few months.

Secretary of state for transport Chris Grayling said that Royal assent for the hybrid bill was a major step in relieving congestion on the railways. It would "improve connections between the biggest cities and regions; generate jobs, skills and economic growth and help build an economy that works for all,” he claimed. “We will now press ahead with constructing the railway while continuing to ensure affected communities get appropriate support and are treated with fairness, compassion and respect.”