Fact Check: HS2 project delayed—line won't open by 2033!

Fact Check: "HS2 project delayed—line won't open by 2033!"

What We Know

The High Speed 2 (HS2) project is a high-speed railway under construction in England, intended to connect London with major cities in the Midlands and North of England. Originally, the project was expected to be completed by 2033. However, as of June 2025, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed that the opening of HS2 will be delayed beyond this target date, stating there is "no route" to delivering the line on schedule and within budget (BBC, IET). The project's costs have ballooned significantly, with estimates rising from an initial £33 billion in 2012 to potentially over £106 billion (BBC).

The project has faced numerous challenges, including management issues, scope changes, and external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical events (IET). Reports indicate that the project has been described as an "appalling mess," with a "litany of failure" leading to missed deadlines and escalating costs (BBC).

Analysis

The claim that the HS2 project will not open by 2033 is supported by recent statements from government officials and independent reports. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander's announcement highlights a lack of feasible plans to meet the original timeline, indicating systemic issues within HS2 Ltd. and the overall management of the project (BBC, IET).

The credibility of the sources reporting this information is high. The BBC, a well-established news organization, provides reliable coverage of governmental announcements and public infrastructure projects. Additionally, the IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology) is a respected professional body that focuses on engineering and technology, further validating the claims made regarding the project's status (BBC, IET).

The cumulative evidence suggests that the HS2 project is not only delayed but also facing significant challenges that make the original completion date unrealistic. The acknowledgment of these issues by government officials adds weight to the claim.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that the HS2 project will not open by 2033 is accurate, as confirmed by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander and supported by credible news sources. The project faces substantial delays and management challenges, making the original timeline unfeasible.