The UK government has announced a two-year delay to the construction of sections of HS2, the high-speed railway connecting London and the West Midlands, citing increased project costs and inflationary pressure. The delay will affect the northwest section of HS2, from Birmingham to Crewe, and then from Crewe to Manchester. Initially, the first part of the extension was due to be completed between 2030 and 2034, but the window has shifted to 2032 to 2036. Services will not extend to Manchester until the 2040s. Transport Secretary Mark Harper said the government is prioritizing HS2's initial services between Old Oak Common in west London and Birmingham Curzon Street. Harper also hinted at potential delays in delivering services to central London, stating that the government would "address affordability pressures to ensure the overall spending profile is manageable." He added that the government would take the time to ensure an affordable and deliverable station design, delivering Euston alongside high-speed infrastructure to Manchester. As a result of the delay, a series of setbacks are affecting key road projects under cost-saving measures that threaten to deliver a blow to the government's "levelling up" plans. The delay is aimed at saving money, with inflationary pressure and increased project costs cited as the main reasons for the decision. The government is aiming to deliver high-speed services to Crewe and the North West as soon as possible after accounting for the delay in construction. While the delay may be seen as a setback for the project, the government has reiterated its commitment to delivering HS2, stating that it remains a critical part of the country's transport infrastructure plans. The government has also announced that it will take the necessary steps to ensure that the project is both affordable and deliverable. For further information on the project visit the HS2 website https://www.hs2.org.uk/.