Warwick and Leamington MP demands regular external inquiries into HS2 environmental damage amid fresh calls for review

Warwick and Leamington Labour MP Matt Western has accused the Government of allowing HS2 Ltd to ‘mark its own homework’ over environmental damage.
Warwick and Leamington MP Matt Western in Parliament.Warwick and Leamington MP Matt Western in Parliament.
Warwick and Leamington MP Matt Western in Parliament.

And Mr Western has demanded regular external reviewing into the toll on ancient woodlands and wildlife caused by the high-speed rail line’s construction.

After this week's House of Commons vote, an annual report on environmental outcomes will be produced by HS2 Ltd.

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Mr Western has instead called for more regular external assessments to be conducted.

HS2.HS2.
HS2.

He suggested non-governmental bodies such as the Environment Agency should be involved in the process.

Last month, Mr Western called for an urgent review into the future and viability of HS2 amid spiralling costs and untimely delivery.

The HS2 programme is the largest infrastructure project in Europe and will cost the taxpayer in excess of £110 billion – more than double its original budget.

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He also called for more regular debates in Parliament on HS2’s progress.

Mr Western said: “According to HS2’s figures at least 11 ancient woodlands will suffer direct impacts as a result of the railway’s construction.

“The UK is one of the least wooded areas in Europe, with just 13% tree cover compared to nearly a third across European Union nations.

“And ancient woodlands older than 400 years only cover 2% of the UK – and they are a precious amenity.

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“Four ancient woods have already been felled in Warwickshire, including 5 acres in South Cubbington.

“We need to make urgent progress in combating climate change, developing electric vehicle infrastructure, delivering hydrogen to our towns and cities and rolling out full fibre broadband across the UK.

“There is also a need to improve our existing dilapidated railways, particularly in the Midlands and the North.

“It is time for the Government to seriously consider these alternatives to HS2.”

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Mr Western also claims workplace culture has been significantly altered due to the pandemic.

In Parliament he cited a report by construction firm Arup which says many fewer workers will be travelling to offices or work sites in the post-pandemic world.

Engineering firm Systra also found 27% of rail commuters say they will make fewer trips on public transport as a result of the virus.

Last month, Mr Western spoke in Parliament after the independent National Infrastructure Commission released a report advising the government to scrap the HS2 ‘eastern leg’ line from Birmingham to Leeds.

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The report says the cash should be re-injected into upgrading rail lines in the North and the Midlands in particular.

Mr Western has vowed to continue campaigning for an urgent review of HS2 and re-consideration of the project.