HS2 expected to be approved by Boris Johnson within days

The prime minister is meeting with transport secretary Grant Shapps and Sajid Javid today for a key meeting ahead of deciding the fate of the controversial rail link, with a decision expected within days.

Mr Johnson told Parliament yesterday that a decision would be made very shortly: “I want to reassure all of my honourable friends and everybody, whatever persuasion they may be about HS2 across this chamber, that there will be an announcement very shortly.”

Sajid Javid has studied treasury analysis that has concluded it will still deliver economic benefits despite rapidly increasing costs.

In 2015 the rail project’s budget was set to £56 billion, but has since soared to £88 billion. A leaked government report found the costs of the rail link could even reach £106 billion.

Speaking on ITV's Peston programme on Wednesday, Mr Shapps said: "This is probably the biggest investment, biggest infrastructure project possibly in the world, certainly in Europe, and the public would expect us to look carefully at it."

Who are the manufacturers bidding for HS2 train contracts?

Bombardier/Hitachi

A spokesperson from Hitachi has confirmed the 2.75 billion contract would use existing facilities to manufacture the trains. Bombardier and Hitachi’s combined UK operations employ around 7,000 people that includes train factories in Derby, Newton Aycliffe and Crewe, extensive regional supply chains.

Alstom

Alstom’s UK managing director, Nick Crossfield, commented: “Alstom’s vision is to make HS2 trains a timeless design classic, with a passenger experience that is as smooth, calm and spacious as it is high-speed.”

CAF

CAF UK director Richard Garner said: “The Oaris platform uses the latest technology to offer high-speed travel and has demonstrated its capacity to operate at speeds over 360 km/h – combined with the advantages of proven reliability, comfort and safety.”

Talgo

Talgo UK’s Jon Veitch commented: “HS2 will be crucial as the UK economy grows. We humbly believe that Talgo’s combination of experience and adaptivity is the best option for both train operating companies and taxpayers.”

Siemens

William Wilson, CEO of Siemens Mobility, said: “Our team has worked tirelessly to develop an offer that transforms how passengers experience high speed trains and set the standard for other global high-speed rail systems to follow.”