MP HITS OUT AT HS2 ‘SHAM’
MP SLAMS INCLUSION OF ‘SLY PARAGRAPH’ IN DOCUMENT AS PHASE 2A OF HIGH-SPEED LINK GIVEN ROYAL ASSENT News
STAFFORDSHIRE MP Michael Fabricant has labelled a public consultation on the section of HS2 through the county a “sham”.
Phase 2a of the high-speed rail line linking London with the West Midlands, Manchester and Leeds received Royal Assent last week, meaning work can start on Birmingham and Crewe.
But Lichfield MP Mr Fabricant claimed HS2’S consultation of affected residents has been “an insult to those living and working along the route”.
He alluded to a paragraph in the consultation leaflet stating the Government “does not intend to make changes to Phase 2a or its planned construction programme”, regardless of consultation responses.
Mr Fabricant, whose constituency includes Barton, Abbots Bromley, Fradley and Alrewas, said: “The consultation was forced on the Government and HS2 when I and a number of other MPS made it plain they would rebel if the Government attempted to reject the Lords’ amendment forcing HS2 to consult further.
“Suspicions were first aroused by the very short period allowed to submit responses to HS2 - just three weeks.
“The consultation is promoted to householders and businesses along the route by a leaflet. However, that leaflet contains a paragraph which negates the whole point of the consultation.
“This sly paragraph makes it clear that HS2 do not intend to take the consultation seriously.
“This is in breach of the spirit of the law the Government has only just passed and its arrogance has been the hallmark of the way in which HS2 has consistently behaved.
“Once again, this so-called consultation has demonstrated the contempt HS2 holds for those living and working along the route and fails to protect the natural environment the rail line will destroy. The more the economic case against HS2 becomes compelling, the more HS2 thrashes around to avoid its responsibilities.”
Despite Mr Fabricant’s criticism, Boris Johnson hailed the legislation for Phase 2a of HS2 passing its final hurdle as a “landmark moment”.
Construction is expected to begin by 2024. The opening of the route will coincide with Phase 1 between London and Birmingham, which is scheduled to happen between 2029 and 2033.
This means the first HS2 trains will run on new high-speed lines between London and Crewe via Birmingham, before joining the existing network to create direct services to locations such as Liverpool, Manchester, Preston, Carlisle and Glasgow.
HS2 continues to face strong opposition. Some environmental groups are angry at the impact of its construction, with a number of campaigners taking to tunnels dug near London Euston station.
There are also widespread concerns about the cost of the project. The Government-commissioned Oakervee Review warned in 2018 that the final bill for HS2 could reach £106 billion at 2019 prices.
Mr Johnson said: “HS2 is the most significant expansion to our national railways in a generation – transforming connectivity between our towns and cities and vastly increasing the capacity of our rail network. By proceeding full steam ahead, we are delivering on our commitment to unite and level up the country.
“The construction of Phase 2a will support thousands of jobs and create opportunities for local businesses as we build back better.”
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Whatever your view of this, HS2 is now a reality – heading north, creating jobs and building a brighter future for our country.
“This project is at the heart of the Government’s commitments to build back better from the pandemic, tackle the North-south divide and drive growth across the country. The signing of the Phase 2a Bill into law is an historic milestone for this ambitious project, which is already creating and supporting thousands of jobs.
“I look forward to seeing spades in the ground to get this section built.”