HS2

HS2

On this section of my website you can read about the latest news concerning HS2 as well as more about the work that I am doing to support those who are affected by the route.

Where do I stand on HS2? I believe high speed rail lines should follow existing transport corridors. I think there is a good argument for a high speed rail network as a better and greener transport option than short-haul flights, which would free up scarce landing slots at our airports for flights to long-haul destinations we can reach no other way, but I think HS2 would be better routed along motorways or railway lines we already have, not across open Warwickshire countryside.

I promised to argue for this when I was elected in 2010 and I have done so. I also promised to devote time and energy to the detail of HS2 and I have kept that promise too. I have spent about 50% of my time since 2010 on this issue alone. I have worked with individuals affected and action groups set up to campaign against HS2 and of course continue to do so. The challenge now is to minimise the disruption which the construction phase of the project will cause and I am working with Councillors and Community groups to achieve that.

If you think that I might be able to assist you with issues relating to HS2, please click here to get in touch.

News

HS2 Construction Commissioner Visit

Since the Prime Minster’s decision last month to continue with the High Speed Rail (HS2) project, it is clear that the construction of HS2 will begin in earnest in the next few months.

Sir Mark Worthington - Constituency Tour

I took Sir Mark Worthington, the Construction Commissioner for HS2 on a tour of the current construction sites for HS2 in my constituency. During the tour I highlighted the current challenges faced by local residents some of whom he was able to meet.

HS2 February 2020

For nearly 10 years, HS2 has been a significant issue in this Constituency. A number of my constituents are directly affected, with houses or businesses that are in or near the path of the line, and many more will be affected by the construction of the line and the disruption it will bring.

HS2 Sub Forum Meeting - October 2019

To encourage more open effective communication between HS2 Ltd and the community in Warwick District and Stratford District, on Friday 18th October I held the first HS2 Sub Forum meetings.

Meeting with The Woodland Trust

This week I met Lucy Ryan and Richard Barnes from the Woodland Trust, where we discussed the interdependency of the vegetation and the Ancient Woodlands the importance of protecting Ancient Woodlands, until the future of HS2 is determined by the Oakervee Commission.

Update on Ancient Woodland

As you know, I have already made a number of representations about the preservation of ancient woodland in HS2’s path until the review into its future has concluded.

HS2 - Ancient Woodlands - October 2019 Update

Since the review into HS2’s future was announced, I have argued consistently that the removal of ancient woodland should not take place until that review has concluded.

Views on HS2 September 2019

My argument has always been that, although I think there is real merit in a high speed rail network in the UK, high speed railway lines would achieve their objectives with much less damage if they follow existing transport corridors, running alongside roads or railway lines which have already bee

Second HS2 Forum Meeting

The Kenilworth & Southam HS2 Implementation Forum met for the second time on 5 July 2019. New members from the local business and farming communities were welcomed, and the creation of subgroups to focus on specific local issues agreed.