Newscast cover image

Newscast

Are Government Putting the Brakes on HS2?

Sep 24, 2023
Victoria Derbyshire, Rachel Johnson, and Henry Zeffman discuss the government's indecision on HS2 and the upcoming general election. They also touch on early morning routines, the strategy of the Liberal Democrat Party, NHS waiting lists, and government policy changes.
25:18

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The future of the HS2 project is uncertain due to concerns about its costs and the potential cancellation, raising questions about the government's fiscal responsibility and long-term vision.
  • The Liberal Democrats face challenges in defining their policies and gaining traction, with tactical voting playing a crucial role in the general election and uncertainty surrounding their stance on rejoining the EU.

Deep dives

HS2 Project and Rishi Sunak's Dilemma

The future of the HS2 project is uncertain as the Prime Minister and Chancellor express concerns about its escalating costs. Defence Secretary Grant Shapps hinted that the project between Birmingham and Manchester may be cancelled. This raises questions about Rishi Sunak's decision-making and how it will affect his relationship with his own party. Some suggest he may be making hard choices in an attempt to show fiscal responsibility, but critics argue that cancelling HS2 and prioritizing other infrastructure projects could be seen as a weakness, lacking long-term vision for the country.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
App store bannerPlay store banner