Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will suspend all HS2 (a) preparation and (b) construction work during the covid-19 outbreak.

The Government’s current policy is that construction activity, including HS2, should continue where it can be undertaken in accordance with the Public Health England guidance and industry best practice. I have asked HS2 Ltd to work closely with their construction partners to ensure compliance with these guidelines in order to protect local communities and their workforce. Sites will not operate where this cannot be achieved.