Written question asked by Lord Berkeley (Labour) on Friday, 7 February 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Friday, 21 February 2025. It was answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill (Labour) on Tuesday, 18 February 2025 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Euston Station: Construction

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to reports of fraud in the letting of development contracts for Euston station by the Department for Transport to Lendlease, whether the Cabinet Office has any plans (1) to undertake an investigation, (2) to void the existing contract, and (3) to retender the development work at Euston station, in accordance with government procurement rules.

Original answer: HS2 Ltd and the Department for Transport do not recognise the reports of alleged ‘foul play’ in the letting of these contracts. HS2 Ltd acted as agent on behalf of Network Rail and DfT in procuring the Master Development Partner for the Euston Over-site Development. I have been assured that HS2 Ltd had in place rigorous procurement processes, which were aligned to all necessary legislation and best practice on public procurement, including in respect of the identification and management of conflicts of interest. The contracting approach and contract award were further scrutinised and approved by these contracting authorities. Given this, the Department has no cause to further investigate or void the contract.

The answer was corrected by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill (Labour)

on Tuesday, 18 February 2025 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Corrected answer: HS2 Ltd and the Department for Transport do not recognise the reports of alleged ‘foul play’ in the letting of these contracts. HS2 Ltd acted as agent on behalf of Network Rail and DfT in procuring the Master Development Partner for the Euston Over-site Development. I have been assured that HS2 Ltd had in place rigorous procurement processes, which were aligned to all necessary legislation and best practice on public procurement, including in respect of the identification and management of conflicts of interest. The contracting approach and contract award were further scrutinised and approved by the department ~~these contracting authorities~~. Given this, the Department has no cause to further investigate or void the contract.

Secondary information