A fresh legal claim over a £1 billion construction project has been lodged which could add insult to misery for the embattled Transport Minister Chris Grayling.
American engineering giant Bechtel is set to sue the government over the HS2 tender process.
According to Sunday Times reports the US giant has claimed the procurement process for the development of Old Oak Common station, which will link with Crossrail when it opens, was unfair.
Last month the £1 billion contract was awarded to Balfour Beatty and Vinci, who will convert former railway yards into a station housing platforms above and below ground for both the high speed rail and for Crossrail.
But Bechtel has lodged a high court claim, saying the tender process was botched.
The news comes hot on the heels of an announcement that the government will pay £33 million-worth of taxpayer’s money as a settlement with Eurotunnel over a decision to award three suppliers with contracts to provide extra ferries in a no-deal Brexit.
Eurotunnel, which operates the Channel tunnel, argued that the contracts had been handed out in a “secretive way”.
It is unclear whether Bechtel are pursuing similar concerns over the HS2 contract.
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