Express & Star

MP calls for return to original route for HS2

Michael Fabricant has urged the next Prime Minister to consider returning to the original route of HS2 – a move he says would save billions and cause less damage to the environment.

Published
Michael Fabricant wants the next Prime Minister to consider a change of route for HS2

The Lichfield MP has met with Tory leadership hopefuls Boris Johnson, Michael Gove and Jeremy Hunt over the past week to discuss the controversial line, which is set to pass through Staffordshire on its way from London to the north west.

He wants the current route to be scrapped, insisting that the original plans for a line running alongside the M40, that would have avoided Staffordshire completely, would be a better option.

He has also suggested that the cheapest option to relieve congestion would be to add an additional two tracks between London Euston and Rugby on the West Coast Main Line.

Both Mr Johnson and Mr Gove have raised concerns about HS2 due to spiralling costs.

Michael Fabricant

However, Mr Hunt has described the line as "absolutely vital", saying cancelling the project would "weaken" the Government's commitment to share prosperity around the country.

Mr Fabricant said: “In my meetings with Boris, Michael, and Jeremy, I emphasised that the original proposal for HS2 would have had the track running alongside the M40 which would be less environmentally damaging, £10 billion cheaper, would connect Birmingham with Heathrow Airport, and directly with the continent through the Channel Tunnel.

"This route would have avoided southern Staffordshire completely and should be looked at again.

“I have always recognised the need to relieve congestion of the West Coast Main Line, but the present route of HS2 is not the way to do it. There are cheaper and less environmentally damaging options.”