Warwick and Leamington MP calls for review after government advised to downsize HS2 in favour of upgrades for regional lines

MP Matt Western has called for a review into the viability of HS2 after the government was advised to prioritise regional rail.

The Warwick and Leamington MP before Christmas urged greater debate and scrutiny of HS2 in parliament.

He urged the government to stage a debate as soon as possible on the future and viability of the project - amid spiralling costs and untimely delivery.

The Labour MP has reiterated his call ahead of today's House of Commons debate.

Last month, the independent National Infrastructure Commission released a report advising the government to scrap the HS2 line from Birmingham to Leeds.

The report says the cash should be reinjected into upgrading rail lines in the North and the Midlands in particular.

The HS2 high speed rail programme is the largest infrastructure project in Europe and is estimated to cost in excess of £110billion.

Estimates suggest the final price tag could eventually rise to double the initial budget allocated for its delivery.

Mr Western said: “This is the second time I have called for a debate on the viability of HS2.

“Yet in parliament there seems to be an absence of debate and proper scrutiny concerning the programme and the complications surrounding its delivery.

“One of the defining arguments for HS2 was that it would connect the North, the Midlands and London - vastly improving infrastructure and connectivity for those living outside the capital.

“But with budgets so vastly exceeded and no hope of the project being completed on time, is it time to consider whether money could be better spent to achieve these goals?”

Mr Western also has concerns over HS2's environmental toll.

Campaign group Stop HS2 claims the rail line, when built, won’t be carbon neutral for more than 120 years, according to an analysis of HS2 Ltd’s own figures.

Concerns have also been reignited about damage to ancient woodland in Warwickshire as drilling began in the region last month – and images circulated online.

Mr Western added: “We need a review into HS2 as well as serious consideration of how it can best be delivered while keeping costs down.

“But greater consideration should also be paid to more immediately attainable and beneficial transport options - particularly for the people of the Midlands and the North.”