article_snippet: The first phase of HS2, from London to Birmingham, is due to open in 2026, with a second Y-shaped phase to Manchester and Leeds due for completion around 2032/33.
article_snippet: a damning report says HS2 is supposed to rebalance the economy
article_snippet: but HS2 is London rather than the Midlands or the North that is likely to be the biggest beneficiary.
article_snippet: Waste of money: a damning report says HS2 is supposed to rebalance the economy (graphic from 2013) but HS2 is London rather than the Midlands or the North the North
article_snippet: On HS2's ability to relieve congestion, the peers said full information on passenger numbers had not been made available by the Government on grounds of commercial sensitivity.
highlights_snippet: The first phase of HS2 from London to Birmingham is due to open in 2026 .
  