Britain’s €40 billion HS2 high-speed rail network has been approved by the government, despite strong opposition. The 225km phase one, between London and Birmingham, is planned to open by 2026, followed by extensions to Manchester and Leeds by 2033, subject to public consultation on routes in 2014. The London – Birmingham time would be reduced from 1 hour 24 minutes to 49 minutes.
Transport Secretary Justine Greening announced extra tunnelling along phase one, but this is unlikely to reduce environmental objections to the project.
