Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

HS2 Ltd and Local Community Relations

16 March 2023 · 0 other contributors

Opened by Saqib Bhatti Con Meriden and Solihull East

Transport

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Saqib Bhatti raised concerns about hs2 ltd and local community relations in the House of Commons. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • MP highlighted HS2's lack of meaningful engagement with local communities, citing specific issues like the haulage route through Balsall Common and blighted properties.
  • The Minister acknowledged HS2's miscommunications and unacceptable practices affecting constituents, such as late notices and financial ruin due to delayed payments.
  • The Minister called for strong action against HS2 if improvements are not made, inviting himself to visit the constituency to address these issues personally.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Saqib Bhatti Con Meriden and Solihull East

The MP highlighted HS2’s lack of meaningful engagement with local communities, focusing on issues such as the haulage route through Balsall Common, blighted properties like Iain Smith's in Berkswell village, and the aesthetics of viaducts. He emphasised that constituents are being reasonable and have already sacrificed much but require HS2 to work collaboratively. The speech included specific cases where HS2 failed to address community concerns effectively or fairly.

Government Response

Bill Cash

The Minister acknowledged the issues raised by his hon. Friend Saqib Bhatti regarding HS2's miscommunications and unacceptable practices affecting constituents, such as late notices, loss of crops, financial ruin due to delayed payments, and intimidation tactics. He called for a 'real rocket' to be given to HS2 if improvements are not made, looking forward to the Minister visiting his constituency to address these issues personally.

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