An investigation has been launched into “whistleblower allegations” about the practices of some “labour suppliers” to the company building the embattled HS2 rail line.
HS2 Ltd is investigating two companies that supply workers to build part of the London to Birmingham section of the line, which the i Paper, which first reported the story, says relates to the billing for the staff supplied.
The company, which is owned by the government, says it “treats all whistleblower allegations seriously” and launched an investigation earlier this year, while the Department for Transport adds that it will ensure any claims of wrongdoing are “thoroughly investigated”.
The paper reports that the allegations relate to staff being misclassified, and therefore an inflated rate being charged to employ them.
It is understood the two firms under investigation were providing workers to one of HS2’s contractors on the West Midlands section of the line, Balfour Beatty Vinci (BBV), which is not accused of wrongdoing.
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Watch: Starmer declares war on policies leading to HS2’s £100m bat shed
A spokesperson for HS2 Ltd says BBV has “implemented additional monitoring and controls”.
It is understood that one contractor remains suspended from new contracts while the probe continues.
An HS2 spokesperson said: “HS2 Ltd treats all whistleblower allegations seriously and we are aware of the claims made in relation to labour suppliers on part of the route.
“An investigation was launched earlier this year into a number of different allegations and our contractor Balfour Beatty VINCI has implemented additional monitoring and controls.”
Image: The public has protested the vast cost of HS2. Pic: PA
A Department for Transport spokesperson added: “The government and HS2 Ltd take all whistleblower allegations extremely seriously and have a zero-tolerance attitude towards fraud, bribery, and corruption. We will therefore ensure any claims of wrongdoing in HS2’s supply chain are thoroughly investigated.
“We have taken action to grip the delivery of HS2, tasking CEO Mark Wild to fundamentally reset the project and change the company’s culture and capability to deliver the line as cost effectively as possible.”
It is understood that there is currently no police or HMRC involvement.
BBV has been approached for comment.
Image: The previous Tory government scrapped the second phase of HS2
What is HS2?
The HS2 rail line was announced in 2009 to boost capacity and cut the journey time between London and the north of England.
The initial plan was to build the first phase connecting London and Birmingham, followed by adding two branches to Manchester and Leeds – but the previous Conservative government decided to scrap the second phase due to spiralling costs and numerous setbacks, and the new Labour administration has said it will not reverse the decision.
Sir Keir Starmer’s government has pledged to “get a grip” on the rising costs of the project that, according to a House of Commons research briefing, have been driven “by high inflation, as well as scope changes, worse ground conditions than expected and optimism bias”.
In 2012, it was estimated that HS2 Phase 1 would cost £20.5bn (in 2019 prices) to complete – but forecasts have since grown, with the most recent estimate in January 2024 estimating it would cost £49bn to £56.6bn (in 2019 prices).
A suspect detained after a car struck pedestrians at a Liverpool FC trophy parade was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drugs, Merseyside Police have said.
The 53-year-old is described as white British and from the West Derby area of Liverpool.
Police say 11 people are still being treated in hospital and are recovering well. A total of 65 people were injured, they said.
At a press briefing this afternoon, assistant chief constable Jenny Sims said the car followed an ambulance after a road block on Water Street was lifted so paramedics could help a man who had a suspected heart attack.
The car entered the road from Rumford Street, Merseyside Police said.
Detectives have said the incident is not being treated as terror-related, and no further suspects are being sought.
“There was no intelligence to suggest an incident of this nature would take place,” Ms Sims said.
She also defended the policing operation during the parade, saying the force planned for “all contingencies”.
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‘From jubilation to sirens’
Her comment came after the city’s metro mayor Steve Rotheram said questions about how the car was able to enter the road were “legitimate”.
The arrested man remains in custody and is being interviewed by officers, police said.
Image: Pic: PA
Image: Forensic officers at the scene today. Pic: PA
Merseyside Police is receiving help from neighbouring forces “due to the number of victims”, detective chief superintendent Karen Jaundrill added.
She continued: “Extensive CCTV inquiries are being carried out across the city to establish the movements of the car, a Ford Galaxy, before the incident took place.
“We have already had an incredible response from many of those who were there last night.”
Jack Trotter and his girlfriend Abbie Gallagher had just met some other Liverpool fans and were taking videos, when the Ford Galaxy quickly approached.
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“I look around and there’s people in the air,” she said. “I just freaked out. I was just trying to find Jack.
“Luckily enough, he heard me screaming. He came up and said, ‘I’m here’. We didn’t know what to say, we were just crying.”
Royals ‘saddened’ by events
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Princess Anne visits Liverpool after parade crash
Messages of support have been sent to the people of Liverpool since the incident, with the Prince and Princess of Wales saying they were “deeply saddened” by the events.
“What should have been a joyful celebration ended with tragedy,” they added.
Meanwhile, the King, who is currently taking part in a tour of Canada, said: “I know that the strength of community spirit for which your city is renowned will be a comfort and support to those in need.”
The King and other members of the Royal Family have said they are “deeply saddened” after a number of people were struck by a car during Liverpool FC’s title parade.
The head of state, who is currently on a two-day visit in Canada with his wife, said: “It is truly devastating to see that what should have been a joyous celebration for so many could end in such distressing circumstances.
“At this heartbreaking time for the people of Liverpool, I know that the strength of community spirit for which your city is renowned will be a comfort and support to those in need.”
Image: Police and other emergency personnel at the scene of the incident in Liverpool. Pic: AP
The Prince and Princess of Wales have also issued a statement, saying they were “deeply saddened” by what happened in Liverpool.
William, who is patron of the Football Association, and his wife Kate said in a message shared by Kensington Palace on social media: “What should have been a joyful celebration ended with tragedy.
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“Our thoughts are with those who were injured and to the first responders and emergency services on the ground.”
Image: The Princess Royal thanked hospital staff. Pic: PA
Divisional medical director for surgery at Aintree University Hospital, Marc Lucky, told Princess Anne that medics were “very, very fortunate” that there were not more major injuries.
Consultant Jay Rathore added: “Most of the injuries were limb injuries. No life-threatening, we were able to manage them.”
The princess was already due to be in Liverpool on Tuesday to visit the MS Queen Anne after it arrived on Monday for Cunard’s 185th anniversary celebrations.
Image: The King and Queen are currently on a trip to Canada. Pic: PA
She expanded her itinerary to also meet nurses, consultants, and paramedics, as well as representatives from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and the football club, in light of Monday night’s incident.
“We really appreciate you still coming, because it will mean a lot to the people of the city,” Liverpool City Council leader Liam Robinson said as he thanked the princess for her visit.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: “The princess would like to share her heartfelt condolences and support for the families and communities affected.
“Her Royal Highness also wishes to acknowledge the courage of the emergency services, some of whom she met today, and all those providing care and comfort during this difficult time.”
King Charles says Canada will remain “strong and free” – in a speech viewed by many Canadians as a show of support for the country’s sovereignty following annexation threats by Donald Trump.
It comes after Mr Trump repeatedly suggested that Canada should become America’s 51st state.
Prime Minister Mark Carney later invited Charles, who is the head of state in Canada, to the state opening of parliament.
On Tuesday, Charles said in a speech, written by Mr Carney’s government to open Canada’s parliament, that the country would remain “strong and free”, quoting the national anthem, but did not directly refer to Mr Trump’s annexation threats.
“We must face reality: since the Second World War, our world has never been more dangerous and unstable. Canada is facing challenges that, in our lifetimes, are unprecedented,” the King told politicians in the Senate Building in Ottawa in French.
“Many Canadians are feeling anxious and worried about the drastically changing world around them,” he added.
Image: Mark Carney applauded the King. Pic: PA
Image: King Charles spoke with former Canadian PM Justin Trudeau. Pic: PA
In the speech, he highlighted his admiration for “Canada’s unique identity, which is recognised across the world for bravery and sacrifice in defence of national values”.
He set out the government’s legislative agenda on the second day of his Canada visit, an honour usually reserved for the governor general.
King Charles is only the second monarch, after his mother Queen Elizabeth II, to do so. The late queen delivered the speech at the state opening of the Canadian parliament in 1957, her first visit to the country as head of state, and again in 1977.
Image: King Charles and Queen Camilla were riding in a horse-drawn landau. Pic: Reuters
Image: King Charles III and Queen Camilla are pictured ahead of the opening of parliament. Pic: PA
Image: Charles and Camilla laid a wreath at the national war memorial in Ottawa. Pic: PA
He said that it has been nearly 70 years since his mother first opened the Canadian parliament, and at the time, World War II remained a painful memory while the Cold War was intensifying simultaneously.
“Freedom and democracy were under threat,” the King said.
“Today, Canada faces another critical moment. Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination, and freedom are values which Canadians hold dear, and ones which the government is determined to protect.”
‘So much more than a royal visit’
This trip was so much more than a royal visit, it was all about cementing Canada’s sovereignty.
And what we’ve seen is two short days, poignantly packed with spectacle and symbolism.
From an open-top carriage procession to a theatrical political ceremony – Canada wanted to put on a visual show of sovereignty, and this was a masterclass.
All the stops were pulled out.
The King must sit above politics, but this was a very political visit. He is King of Canada and head of state here.
But he arrives at a time of fractious relations between Canada and the US.
Putting him at the centre of Canada’s parliament sends a strong signal to President Trump.
During the speech, the King added his own warm words, speaking with deep affection about the country. He also spoke of how the crown brings Canada “unity” and represents “stability and continuity”.
And then, reading the words of his government, a punchy message to President Trump. Delivered by the King, the words hit home harder.
When he quoted the national anthem with the words Canada must stay “strong and free”, the applause rose up.
At a time when Canada feels threatened by the US, having the King on side matters.
The King has been walking a delicate diplomatic tightrope in Ottawa. Here to celebrate Canada, without causing offence to politicians south of the border.
President Trump can be unpredictable, but he affectionately holds the King and Royal Family in high regard, and that goes a long way.
The King heads home after just twenty-three hours.
Canada has been visibly boosted – the bond with its King has been renewed and strategically strengthened.
He added that since Queen Elizabeth II’s first Canadian parliament opening, the country “has dramatically changed: repatriating its constitution, achieving full independence, and witnessing immense growth”.
Addressing the protection of Canada’s sovereignty, Charles read out a promise by the Canadian government that it would rebuild, rearm and reinvest in its armed forces.
“It will invest to strengthen its presence in the north, as this region, which is an integral part of the Canadian nation, faces new threats,” he read.
Image: King Charles and Queen Camilla were led by procession to open the first session of parliament in Canada
Image: Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers on horseback rode towards the senate building. Pic: Reuters
Image: King Charles and Queen Camilla visited the Senate. Pic: Reuters
The speech, which was awarded a standing ovation by attendees, was largely written by officials working for Mr Carney’s government, with Charles adding his own comments about his love for Canada.
The King opening Canada’s parliament is a “clear message of sovereignty” and “not coincidental”, Mr Carney previously said.
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King’s Canada visit: Why is it important?
Image: King Charles and Mark Carney during the event
He also revealed that Canadians “weren’t impressed” by the decision of the UK government to offer Mr Trump an unprecedented second state visit to the UK.