Countryside campaigners have welcomed the Transport Select Committee’s much anticipated report into High Speed 2 (HS2) [1]. The report supports arguments made by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) that the current proposals give ‘undue emphasis’ to the need for a world record speed of 250mph [2].

Ralph Smyth, Senior Transport Campaigner for CPRE, says: “We agree with the Committee on the need to proceed with High Speed Rail but to proceed with caution. The question now, is how High Speed Rail should be delivered - not if.

“We are delighted the report shares CPRE’s view that the Government urgently needs to set out an overall transport strategy and properly assess its proposals for HS2 within the wider context. This needs to happen before it proceeds any further with specific proposals.”

The report criticises the tone of the public debate, calling for both sides to stop disparaging the opposite side and instead focus on facts (paragraph 89). Smyth agreed adding:

“It’s time for those who think HS2 is either the best thing since sliced bread or simply a white elephant to stop shouting everyone else out of the debate. Punch and Judy politics will not deliver the best from HS2 for our economy, society or the environment [3].

“The Government is expected to announce it will proceed with HS2 this December and the precise route for the first section to the Midlands. When and if it does, we need to ensure HS2 is accompanied by wider planning to maximise the long term benefits for the environment and economy.”

End

Notes to Editors
[1] House of Commons Transport Select Committee, ‘High Speed Rail’, 08 November 2011

The report follows eight months of evidence taking from a wide range of organisations.  Further information about the report can be obtained from the Committee’s press officer, Hannah Pearce, 020 7219 8430, 07917 488162, email: pearcehm@parliament.uk

[2] Paragraphs 67 to 69.

[3] At the launch on the public consultation on HS2, CPRE described the debate as a Punch and Judy show:
www.cpre.org.uk/media-centre/latest-news-releases/item/797-charity-labels-new-high-speed-2-consultation-a-train-wreck

Since then CPRE led the formation of the Right Lines Charter for doing High Speed Rail well. The Charter brings together twelve other NGOs covering environment, heritage, transport and community interests. More information is at: www.rightlines.org.uk