Bucks MPs criticise "unwanted" HS2 in the Commons
Conservatives Rob Butler and Greg Smith raised concerns with the HS2 minister earlier today
Last updated 14th Mar 2023
Two Bucks MPs have criticised HS2 in the House of Commons today, with one calling for the project to be scrapped all together.
HS2 Minister Huw Merriman MP went to the House of Commons to explain the Government’s decision to pause the construction of HS2 Phase 2 as a cost-saving measure, with the Birmingham to Crewe leg delayed by two years.
“My constituents never wanted HS2"
Aylesbury's Conservative MP Rob Butler called on the minister to reduce the disruption already experienced by local people.
“My constituents never wanted HS2. As my hon. Friend the Minister knows, they have always said that costs would escalate out of control."
"Sadly, it seems too late to stop its construction in Aylesbury and Wendover, despite the huge damage being done to the beautiful Buckinghamshire countryside.
"Will the Minister take advantage of the pause he has announced to Phase 2 to encourage those at HS2 Ltd and their contractors to devote a little bit more time to helping those impacted by Phase 1, to improve mitigation and not constantly have the response “Computer says no.”?”
The Minister replied:
“I will have a further conversation with the chief executive and the chairman of HS2 Ltd, and I will absolutely restate the importance of ensuring that, as we are at peak construction period, mitigations are in place."
"I recognise that there are some in constituencies in the home counties who, notwithstanding the mitigations we have made, think that more could be done. I am happy to represent those calls.”
"It has ruined livelihoods up and down where construction has already commenced and brings massive environmental destruction"
Afterwards, Mr Butler said:
“Local people have always known HS2 is a white elephant. This latest delay shows that costs are spiralling out of control. If it really is too late to scrap this unwanted railway then HS2 Ltd and its contractors must get serious about listening to local residents and businesses.”
Buckingham's Tory MP Greg Smith once again called on the Government to cancel the project all together.
"Instead of tinkering with the edges, would it not be better to admit that we cannot afford it as country, that it has ruined livelihoods up and down where construction has already commenced and brings massive environmental destruction with it?"
"Would my hon. friend also agree, if he was to persist with building Phase 1, that among these cuts and budget reductions not a penny would be taken from the mitigation put in place for the residents who suffer real human misery under the construction of this project?"
In response, HS2 Minister Huw Meriman said he was happy to have further talks about the support being offered to Bucks residents.
It comes after the Labour party said a leaked document "blows apart" the Transport Secretary's claims that extending HS2's timetable will save money.
Shadow transport secretary Louise Haigh told MPs she had seen a Government document which undermines Mark Harper's claims delaying the flagship rail project will reduce costs.
Transport minister Huw Merriman responded: "Obviously we do not comment on leaked documents, certainly not documents that I have not been given at all."
"I am very proud of what we are doing when it comes to delivering HS2. The construction of Curzon Street station in Birmingham, which remains as I have stated, is expected to create 36,000 new jobs."