MP Warns of Elizabeth Line Becoming Overwhelmed

Andy Slaughter says HS2 needs to terminate at Euston rather than Old Oak Common

A visualisation of the planned Old Oak Common station. Picture: HS2

March 27, 2023

The Elizabeth line could struggle to hold thousands of passengers if the HS2 service does not continue to Euston, an MP has warned.

Hammersmith MP Andy Slaughter has raised concerns about what would happen if the fast-speed railway was to terminate at Old Oak Common.

Last week the government announced HS2 trains may not continue on to their final destination of Euston station until about 2040 after the £100 billion rail project was adapted to save money.

But Transport Secretary Mark Harper has promised to prioritise the first stage of the project between Birmingham and Old Oak Common station, next to Wormwood Scrubs Prison.

Under stage one, passengers would be expected to travel on to Central London for half an hour on the Elizabeth line. But there are concerns about whether the trains will become too busy.

Speaking in Parliament Andy Slaughter MP asked, “The consequences of this announcement for Old Oak Common include doubts about the capacity of the Elizabeth line; limited interchange between lines at the station, especially for disabled people; very limited access to the station site; and the postponement of development of HS2 land until after Euston opens.

“Will the Minister meet me and other MPs who are concerned about the indefinite delay to Euston’s opening to discuss the consequences for my constituents, which are game-changing?”

The capital’s commuters have already been complaining about the Elizabeth line being full of passengers going to Heathrow.

In response, Minister of State for Rail and HS2 Huw Merriman said, “Old Oak Common is a massive regeneration opportunity that is being realised for west London. As I have stated, it will be one of the largest train stations delivered.

“It offers connectivity not just into London via the Elizabeth line, but to the west country and Wales via Great Western Railway. One amazing thing about Old Oak Common when I visited was that rather than lorry loads of spoil being taken away through the community, a conveyor has been built so we can use the existing freight line to take the spoil away.

“That is better not only for costs but for the environment, so I am very proud of the work being done at Old Oak Common.”

Jacob Phillips - Local Democracy Reporter