Lichfield’s MP says he has released an old UKIP manifesto in a bid to highlight what he claims are inconsistencies in their stance over high speed rail.
The controversial HS2 route, which will cut through parts of Lichfield and the surrounding villages, has been accused of being delivered on the orders of Brussels by UKIP MEP Mike Nattrass.
But Lichfield’s Conservative MP Michael Fabricant says UKIP’s stance on the issue does not sit comfortably alongside their 2010 manifesto, which has since been deleted from the party’s website.
However, the Tory MP has now released the document.
“I have done so because of UKIP’s continual claim that HS2 is an instruction from Brussels,” he said. “Yet in the 2010 UKIP Manifesto, UKIP promised four high speed rail routes!”
The 2010 manifesto claimed that the party would “invest in three new 200mph plus high-speed rail lines, including a new line between London and Newcastle with a spur to Manchester, a London-Bristol-Exeter line and a linking route via Birmingham”. Plans were also suggesting a high-speed rail service “to London, the UK and the Continent” from a new airport in the Thames Estuary.
Mr Fabricant added: “I am not surprised that the manifesto has been deleted from UKIP’s website as it puts the lie to their campaign claims regarding HS2.”
UKIP leader Nigel Farage has previously dismissed his party’s 2010 manifesto as “drivel”.
Michael, Michael, Michael, did. no one ever tell you politicians change their minds? Even today the ability to recall members is not to be offered to your constituents according to senior Conservatives. Relief on the back benches one imagines!
If you are against HS2 on behalf of Lichfield then this is not the time to play politics and rubbish your opponents. Divide and conquer is your leader’s mantra on this. Do not help him in this, we need to pull together and defer a decision until after the next election when maybe we will get s House more in tune with the people’s wishes.
just another distraction and a waste of time and effort.
HS2 is coming. West coast mainline will be full to capacity faster than originally forecasted, due to unprecedented growth in the rail industry. Its time to join and celebrate british engineering ability and support what will be a great project, creating work and allow breathing space on the already overcrowded victorian infrastructure.
“HS2 is coming”
Oh no it isn’t!
The only certainty about HS2 at the moment is that if it is coming, it won’t be stopping here.
I have great examples of Mr Fabricants ability to beat the drum and hold two opinions at one time. On a recent e-mail to me he confirmed his passion to stop HS2 and in the same e-mail gave advice to the builders about the best way to cross the A38. I requested help from him recently concerning the build of houses close to me. A few years ago he protested about too many homes changing Lichfield’s charm. He did not support me on this. Changed his mind I guess. I have proof of course. Pot calling Kettle politics.