Greg spoke in the House of Commons today in response to the Prime Minister’s statement on HS2. Following the announcement that HS2 has been given the go-ahead, Greg wanted to reassure constituents that he is still determined to do everything possible to ensure those affected are fully compensated and that HS2 Ltd are held fully held accountable going forward.
Following the announcement that HS2 has been given the go-ahead today, Greg said:
“It is deeply disappointing that the government have decided to proceed with HS2. This will bring further devastation and blight to Buckinghamshire, not just to the landscape but people’s lives.
With the decision now taken, I am determined to do everything possible to ensure those affected are treated fairly by HS2 Ltd and their contractors, not least those who have already surrendered land but not been fully paid or compensated for it.
The behaviour of HS2 Ltd to date has been nothing short of risible and so I am also calling on the Government to set up an independent body, with real powers, to monitor every aspect of the project to ensure communities receive the best possible mitigation and compensation.
Nothing will come close to making up for the devastation HS2 will bring, but it is critical that everyone is treated fairly going forward. I would also like to see a dedicated HS2 Minister.
It is also now critical, that the government scrap the Oxford to Cambridge Expressway, to ensure Buckinghamshire is not doubly blighted by infrastructure projects that bring no benefit to us locally.
Since being elected to Parliament I have relentlessly lobbied Ministers, including the Prime Minister, to scrap HS2 on the grounds of cost, environmental damage and the impact on people’s homes, businesses and livelihoods. In particular, the HS2 Review Group of Conservative MPs have worked as a united force, uniting voices against HS2 from along the route and off the route, north and south.
I share everyone’s frustration at this decision, although remain certain that across the work of the HS2 Review Group of MPs, no stone has been unturned in our efforts to persuade the government not to proceed with HS2, but deliver other infrastructure projects to improve rail capacity across the UK.”