It is a few years late, but on a 10 year program. And it is only around 25% over budget. That is a lot of money to be sure. But compared to other government or corporate programs it seems pretty good. And it will deliver real measurable benefits to people. Both in terms of travel and economic stimulus. The UK is probably spending more on failed corporate ERP systems every year than the over spend on Crossrail.

And we can do manor projects because we are doing major projects. There is Thames Tideway, London Power Tunnels, several offshore wind farms and interconnectors, Great Western electrification, 2012 Olympics.