Despite ongoing controversy, the HS2 project will still be going ahead, the new Transport Secretary has confirmed.
Following on from the political and economic turmoil of the vote in favour of the UK leaving the European Union, some construction industry insiders had raised concerns that the multi-billion pound project could be shelved.
However, within hours of assuming his new role, Chris Grayling has stated that the ambitious infrastructure improvement plan will still be going ahead, spelling good news for dozens of construction firms sitting on valuable contracts.
"I have no plans to back away from the HS2 project," the minister told the BBC Radio 4 The World This Weekend programme.
"We need a better transport system for the 21st century and HS2 is part of increasing the capacity of our transport system," he added.
The first stage of the whole project is scheduled to begin in the autumn, with the firm tasked with building the section of line between London and Birmingham, HS2 Ltd, expected to start awarding lucrative contracts over the coming weeks and months.
Meanwhile, Mr Grayling has refused to be drawn on whether he backs Gatwick or Heathrow in the battle for a new London runway.
