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The Brexit Party leader is a long-term critic of the project, and stepped up his objections earlier this year in the wake of a leaked report suggesting the final cost would be £106billion -
far higher than initially envisaged. Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave the go-ahead for the scheme in February, with formal approval for construction work on the HS2 rail project to begin
given last week despite ongoing lockdown measures to slow the spread of COVID-19. Earlier this week Transport Secretary Grant Shapps suggested coronavirus could mean rush hour is a thing of
the past, adding: "The world will probably not go back to how it was before in a whole manner of different ways." Additionally, Sir Patrick Vallance, the Government's Chief
Science Adviser, has said people will need to work from home for a substantial period in the wake of the crisis. Mr Farage told Express.co.uk: "By the time it’s finished it will be
outdated. BACK EXPRESS.CO.UK'S NHS HEROES CAMPAIGN "HS2 is overpriced and unwanted, the biggest white elephant the government has launched for years. "With reduced demand
surely in this time of nationals crisis we have more urgent priorities to spend billions on.” Mr Farage is not the only high-profile Eurosceptic to voice his concerns. JUST IN: CHINA'S
CORONAVIRUS CASES FOUR TIMES HIGHER THAN OFFICIAL STATS "To cut 20 minutes from a journey to London?" There is also a sizeable group of Tory MPs who represent constituencies along
the HS2 route, including Lichfield's Michael Fabricant, who are also unhappy at the plans. Notice to proceed marks the formal approval for the project to begin the construction phase.
Speaking on April 15, HS2 Minister Andrew Stephenson said: "While the government’s top priority is rightly to combat the spread of coronavirus, protect the NHS and save lives, we cannot
delay work on our long-term plan to level up the country. "HS2 will be the spine of the country’s transport network, boosting capacity and connectivity while also rebalancing
opportunity fairly across our towns and cities. "Following the decision earlier this year to proceed with the project, this next step provides thousands of construction workers and
businesses across the country with certainty at a time when they need it, and means that work can truly begin on delivering this transformational project." The Confederation of British
Industry (CBI) has backed the decision to press ahead with HS2. Matthew Fell, CBI chief UK policy director, said: "The Prime Minister's decision to back HS2 is exactly the sort of
bold, decisive action required to inject confidence in the economy. "It sends the right signal around the world that the UK is open for business. "HS2 shows the Government's
commitment to levelling up the nations and regions of the UK. "The project will bring jobs, new homes, skills and investment to the areas of the country that need them most."