The HS2 high-speed rail project has encountered another setback with no clear timeline for completion. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander criticized the project's mismanagement, missed deadlines, and escalating costs, which have increased by £37bn since its approval in 2012. The government has confirmed that the opening of HS2 will be delayed beyond the 2033 target date, but no specific date has been provided.

During an announcement in the House of Commons, Alexander expressed disappointment over the situation, citing wasted taxpayers' money due to scope changes, ineffective contracts, and poor management. Shadow transport secretary Gareth Bacon acknowledged mistakes in the project's delivery, noting that costs had more than doubled and the project had faced repeated delays.

Changes made in 2023, including the cancellation of the Birmingham to Manchester line, were attributed to failures by previous Conservative governments. Alexander emphasized the need for a reset in how major infrastructure projects are managed in the UK, based on two reports into the project's mismanagement.

Mark Wild, the chief executive of HS2, highlighted a lack of timely intervention to address challenges, leading to systemic failures. He identified issues such as construction starting prematurely without stable designs, an imbalanced organization, and workforce gaps in critical areas. A second report by infrastructure delivery specialist James Stewart examined governance and accountability within HS2 Ltd.

Alexander also announced the appointment of Mike Brown, former Transport for London commissioner, as the new chair of HS2, signaling a shift in leadership for the troubled project.