An MP has claimed the business case for HS2 does not stack up after it was confirmed that a full inquiry will be held.

Christopher Pincher
Christopher Pincher

The Transport Select Committee will look in more detail about the economic arguments surrounding the high speed rail line that would cut through parts of Lichfield and the surrounding area.

And MP Christopher Pincher, who would see his constituents in Hints and Hopwas affected by the new route, believes that the numbers behind HS2 require closer scrutiny.

He said:

“HS2 have so far failed to make the case for their plans. I cannot see that their business case stacks up nor do their mitigation plans come anywhere near dealing with the environmental impact of this railway. And no one is yet dealing with the question of blight which has already fallen on many homes and businesses simply by announcing the recommended route.

“When we held a parliamentary rally on HS2 at the end of last year, HS2 failed to turn up. However, they will not be able to duck out of appearing before the Transport Select Committee and nor will officials from the Department for Transpor

“I hope that Committee will question them closely, and take evidence from anti HS2 campaigners too, so we get to the bottom of the business case which after nearly a year of public questioning still does not stack up.”

Mr Pincher’s comments follow those of Lichfield MP Michael Fabricant who said the inquiry would “shine a full light” into the arguments surrounding HS2.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.