What the public thinks about HS2
Economics, policy and public affairs consultancy Bradshaw Advisory has worked with YouGov on new and important research that explores Britain's attitudes towards HS2 and infrastructure investment and delivery more widely.
4 in 10 oppose plans to build HS2 between London, Birmingham and Manchester (3 in 10 support).
4 in 10 in the North of England are also against the scheme (3 in 10 support).
In slight contradiction, if HS2 does go ahead 5 in 10 want the scheme built to Manchester with only 3 in 10 supporting cutting off the line at Birmingham
The most popular type of infrastructure investment is into local roads - reflecting the fact that outside of inner London most people still regularly use their cars. This was especially true for 2019 Conservative voters.
7 in 10 think that the UK government is useless at delivering large infrastructure projects (1 in 10 think it’s good).
Good quality infrastructure is widely accepted as being essential for economic growth and improving living standards. However, according to the University of Oxford 80% of large projects on average are late or over budget.
HS2 is one the most expensive infrastructure projects in the world and the most expensive capital project in the UK. It was originally forecast to come in at around £33bn and be fully complete in the 2030s, the latest estimates suggest it may cost around £100bn to build and not be complete until 2045.
According to press reports, the government is currently considering ways to reduce its cost which may include stopping the line at Birmingham and not building the section to Manchester.
Tom Lees, Bradshaw Advisory’s Managing Director said:
“Our research shows that the majority of the country remains against the building of HS2 which is consistent with most other polls undertaken over the last ten years.
2019 Conservative voters and those over 50 are particularly against the scheme. Every region apart from London is also against building HS2.
However, the research also shows that if this scheme does continue to go ahead people think it should continue to Manchester. This is likely because they see little point in a new connection that simply runs between the capital and Birmingham.”
Further details on the polling research
Bradshaw Advisory/YouGov polling
Sample size: 2144 adults in GB
Fieldwork: 21st - 22nd September 2023
Method: Online
Questions and summary results
Generally speaking, how good or bad do you think the current state of infrastructure is in the UK?
Total good = 18%
Total bad = 57%
Don’t know = 5%
And generally speaking, how successful or unsuccessful do you think the UK government has been at delivering large infrastructure projects over the last five years?
Total good = 9%
Total bad = 62%
Don’t know = 11%
Which of the following types of infrastructure, if any, do you think the UK government should be investing more in at this time? Please tick up to three.
Top three; Local roads (41%), National railways (33%), Local bus networks (33%)
HS2 is a proposed high-speed railway line connecting London, Birmingham and Manchester. Those in favour of the scheme argue that it will help to create jobs, boost the economy and help us reduce carbon emissions. Those against argue that it is too expensive, will take too long to build and will not provide good value for money.
Do you support or oppose plans to build a new high-speed rail line (HS2) linking London, Birmingham and Manchester?
Total support = 29% (North = 34%)
Total oppose = 39% (North = 40%)
Don’t know = 9%
And to what extent would you support or oppose reducing the plans for HS2, which meant that the service only ran between London and Birmingham, in an attempt to save money?
Total support = 23%
Total oppose = 39%
Don’t know = 13%
Download the full polling tables here.
