‘I’ve seen how it affects people’

A section of the HS2 construction site. PHOTO/Denise Laura Baker

On Monday 13 September, the UK Parliament will discuss the ongoing case for the High Speed 2 (HS2) rail project after a petition opposing the project, signed by 155,000 was presented to parliament. The development has faced much opposition from across the political spectrum. Even senior Conservatives are describing it as a ‘huge white elephant’ saying it should be ‘put out of its misery’.

Those opposing HS2 argue that its environmental costs – including the destruction of the 250-year-old Cubbington pear tree and surrounding woodland, the felling of ‘Roald Dahl’ woods and the clearance of Euston Square Gardens – a valuable city green space, far outweigh any benefits the rail network may bring in reducing polluting transport and providing better transport links.

There are also human costs which are yet to be fully recognized but those who are worst hit, with the line travelling directly through their home or business, are reticent about speaking out. The escalating number of Non-Disclosure Agreements between HS2 Limited (the company overseeing the development) and third parties – including businesses, public bodies and local residents – was raised in the House of Lords back in December 2020. The official line from HS2 and the government is that people who are displaced or impacted by the development are adequately compensated, but emerging information suggests a different story.

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