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HS2: Move to slash top speed by 40mph

Politicians were today asking that top speeds for trains on the controversial HS2 rail line should be slashed by 40mph.

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It would see the maximum speed on the line fall from 225mph to 185mph – meaning a journey from Birmingham to London would be only 25 minutes faster than current times.

The Environmental Audit Select Committee view, revealed in a leaked report, is a further blow to the £50billion rail line. MPs on the committee say the reduced speed limit will help lower carbon emissions.

It comes just days before a crucial vote is taken in the Commons which must be passed for HS2 to get the go-ahead. The second reading of the High Speed Rail (London to West Midlands) Bill will be debated on April 28.

Lichfield MP Michael Fabricant today announced he has moved an amendment to the reading which, if passed, would defeat the Bill.

He said: "I know that the majority of MPs of all parties support the principle of HS2 and that the Bill's Second Reading is likely to be passed with a huge majority with Labour support.

Damage

"I also know that Labour MPs as well as Conservatives and Liberal-Democrats are concerned about the cost and environmental damage."

Steps to lower the speed limit have already sparked questions about the value of HS2. It would mean journeys between the capital and Birmingham would take 59 minutes rather than 49 minutes. Currently it is one hour and 24 minutes. Dr Richard Wellings, from think tank the Institute of Economic Affairs, said: "If they reduce the speed further then the argument that this project is going to give time savings is further diminished."

Joe Rukin, campaign manager for Stop HS2, said: "We call on the Government to cancel this project so they can develop sustainable solutions to the country's transport needs."

A HS2 Ltd spokesman said: "The levels of environmental protection set out in the Environmental Statement are higher than for any other project of such a significant scale."

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