RIA comments on HS2 update

24 March 2026

Commenting on the Government’s HS2 update announced yesterday Railway Industry Association (RIA) Chief Executive Darren Caplan said: "Yesterday’s announcement is an important reminder of the key construction milestones which have been achieved ahead of schedule by HS2 and its supply chain over the last year.

“The Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is right to recognise that HS2 will deliver much needed rail capacity in the years ahead, that it will ultimately enable more reliable and frequent customer services, and that it will generate significant economic benefits for the country such as creating jobs and boosting skills. We now look forward to more milestones being reported and acclaimed in the months to come.”

Notes to Editors

Read the update here: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/hs2-6-monthly-report-to-parliament-march-2026
Image source: HS2 Media Centre
About the Railway Industry Association: The Railway Industry Association (RIA) champions a dynamic UK rail supply sector. We help to grow a sustainable, and high-performing railway as well as promoting UK rail expertise and products to international markets. Rail is a foundation sector for the UK’s economy which supports sustainable investment and jobs in communities across the UK. For every £1 in the rail transport system, over £2.50 of value is generated in the wider economy. The whole rail industry contributes £41 billion in economic value and £14 billion in tax revenue each year, as well as supporting over 640,000 jobs throughout the UK. For every job in rail transport sector, a further four jobs elsewhere in the UK economy are supported. And every job in the rail supply chain is 29% more productive than the UK average, reflecting many highly-skilled jobs in the sector. RIA has over 450 members and is active across the whole of railway supply, covering a diverse range of products and services and including both multi-national companies and SMEs (60% by number). www.riagb.org.uk