HS2 is officially ‘unachievable’ after being given red rating

Problems with first two phases, from London to Birmingham and then to Crewe, do not appear to be resolvable'

The HS2 rail project, which has been beset by severe delays and soaring costs, has been branded as unachievable" by the government's infrastructure watchdog.

Having analysed plans for the construction of the first two phases of the high-speed line, from London to Birmingham and then on to Crewe, the Infrastructure and Projects Authority said the project wass not, in its view, deliverable in its current form.