Local Bucks MP calls for more help to be given to those disrupted by HS2

Today, 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. Aylesbury MP Rob Butler called on the minister to reduce the disruption already experienced by local people.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Rob asked the HS2 Minister:

“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.”

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.”