Lichfield’s MP has tabled a motion aiming to halt HS2 in its tracks – but admits he does not expect it to cause the controversial rail project to hit the buffers.
The high speed rail line will cut through parts of the city and surrounding villages.
Mr Fabricant tabled his motion insisting there were better options to improve capacity north of the Midlands and that the route would “unnecessarily” damage the environment, including ancient woodlands and waterways.
Other issues raised by the Conservative MP included inadequate compensation and a failure to provide “sufficient public transport to disperse HS2 passengers disembarking at London Euston”.
But Mr Fabricant said he was aware his so-called ‘wrecking amendment’ would likely be a futile effort.
“So why did I bother to table the motion?” he said. “I wanted to give all the reasons why I think HS2 is so badly designed as a railway.
“It is far more expensive than it need be – some estimate the cost to be in excess of £75billion – and the environmental impact is appalling.
“Meanwhile I have farmers and homeowners desperate not only because of the rail line itself as it cuts a swathe though virgin Staffordshire countryside, but also due to the quarrying work and extra roads having to be constructed alongside the line.”
Mr Fabricant said the bigger picture of the route was also not being considered.
“HS2 does not connect with the continent as we were originally told it would. Instead you have to change stations and tramp across London along with all your luggage,” he said.
“It does not even connect with Heathrow Airport or Birmingham New Street Station.
“And by ignoring the proposals for HS2 originally proposed by Arup consulting, instead of travelling up an existing transport corridor – the M40 – minimising the environmental impact and cost, it smashes through the Lichfield constituency.”
