Lichfield’s MP says he has met with Conservative leadership hopefuls in a bid to get clarity on the future of HS2.
The controversial high speed rail project will cut through parts of Lichfield and the surrounding villages.
Mr Fabricant spoke with Boris Johnson, Michael Gove and Jeremy Hunt to understand how they would handle the future of HS2 if they win the race to succeed Theresa May.
He said: “Both Boris Johnson and Michael Gove are highly sceptical of HS2 and the benefits it will provide compared with the cost of its construction,” Mr Fabricant said.
“Boris has already asked former Crossrail boss Douglas Oakervee to lead a review of HS2, though he says he would have to ‘think very hard’ about cancelling it entirely.
“He said that as Prime Minister, he hoped to improve transport infrastructure in the North and West Midlands just as he improved transport in London as city mayor.”
Mr Fabricant has long campaigned for alternative options to the proposed route and plan.
“Cheaper and less environmentally damaging options”
He said: “In my meetings with Boris, Michael and Jeremy I emphasised that the original proposal for HS2 would have had the track running alongside the M40 which would be less environmentally damaging, £10 billion cheaper, would connect Birmingham with Heathrow Airport, and directly with the continent through the Channel Tunnel.
“This route would have avoided southern Staffordshire completely and should be looked at again.
“I also suggested that the cheapest option to relieve north south congestion is to add an additional two tracks between London Euston and Rugby on the West Coast Main Line.
“I have always recognised the need to relieve congestion on the West Coast Main Line, but the present route of HS2 is not the way to do it.
“There are cheaper and less environmentally damaging options.”
