HS2 'could cost taxpayer £80bn'

The HS2 high-speed rail project could cost more than £80bn - almost double the current estimated cost of £42.6bn, a free-market think tank has said.

The Institute for Economic Affairs (IEA) expects lobbying by local councils for extra infrastructure and design changes will inflate the cost.

It wants HS2 to be scrapped and the money spent on other transport schemes.

The government said the "absolutely vital" scheme would give a "huge economic boost" for generations.

High-speed 2 (HS2) is intended to allow trains to run at 250 mph (400km/h) from London to Birmingham from 2026, with branches to Manchester and Leeds via Sheffield planned by 2032.

Opponents say the scheme would cause an unacceptable level of environmental damage, loss of homes and disruption to many communities.