HS2: All the times controversial rail project was 'given the green light' during decade of protests
The controversial High Speed Rail 2 (HS2) project has been given yet another green light on Tuesday.
Prime minister Boris Johnson confirmed the project will go ahead after years of false starts and protests.
It is the latest twist in a transport saga stretching back more than a decade, in which the government has been accused of knowing the project was over budget and behind schedule.
January 2009
The then-Labour government sets up HS2 Ltd to look at the case for building a high-speed railway line.
December 2010
The newly-installed Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition publishes a consultation on a route from London to Birmingham, with a Y-shaped section to Manchester and Leeds.
January 2012
HS2 is given its first major green light when transport secretary Justine Greening announces the government has decided to go ahead with the project, despite concerns over its cost and the environmental impact of construction.
November 2013
In a major step towards approval, the High Speed Rail (London-West Midlands) Bill setting out the powers needed to build phase 1 of HS2 between London and Birmingham is introduced to parliament.
January 2014
The Supreme Court rejects outstanding appeals by opponents of HS2.
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June 2016
The National Audit Office warns HS2 is under financial strain and could be delayed by a year.
February 2017
In a significant green light, the High Speed Rail (London-West Midlands) Bill achieves Royal Assent, enabling preparation work to begin.
December 2018
Sir Terry Morgan resigns as chairman of HS2 Ltd amid criticism over his role as chairman of Crossrail, which is delayed and over budget.
August 2019
The Conservatives commission a review into whether and how HS2 should continue, led by former HS2 Ltd chairman Douglas Oakervee, with long-term critic of the project Lord Berkeley acting as his deputy.
September 2019
A report by HS2 Ltd chairman Allan Cook says the railway may not be completed until 2040, and the scheme could cost £88 billion.
January 2020
The Oakervee Review is widely leaked and finds that HS2 could cost up to £106 billion, but concludes “on balance” that the project should continue.
Meanwhile, the National Audit Office says the government “underestimated” the complexities of the project.
February 2020
Prime minister Boris Johnson is expected to give another green light to HS2, approving the whole line. However, the government will reportedly try to make changes to the second phase of the project involving Manchester and Leeds to save money.