HS2 — [David Mundell in the Chair]

HS2 is delaying Northern Powerhouse Rail, which is important for connectivity across the north of England.

Opposes HS2, citing support from constituents and local groups. Argues that the project undermines levelling up by diverting resources and funds away from needed infrastructure like the trans-Pennine route. Requests cancellation of the 2b arm to allow residents whose homes are affected to move on with their lives.

Asked for an intervention briefly, but no further details were provided in the given text. Bridgen questioned whether Newlands received documentation indicating that phase 1 of HS2 is unlikely to open for passengers before 2041, with the project costing £160 billion in today's money.

The Minister should prioritise scrapping the £2 billion Golborne spur leg, which brings no gain to Warrington.

I have always voted against HS2, stating it is a disastrous white elephant that has spent billions of pounds on taxpayers' money. My constituents are worried about the impact of HS2 on their communities and environment. I presented professional analysis from my constituents suggesting alternative means which could reduce the construction impact and save approximately £600 million.

Caroline Lucas focuses on HS2's environmental harm, questioning its necessity in a climate emergency context. She highlights the loss of ancient woodland and challenges the Government's claim of 'no net loss' to biodiversity. Additionally, she points out HS2's carbon emissions over 120 years and calls for alternatives that could better serve ecological needs.

Calling for greater connectivity in northern cities, Catherine McKinnell stressed the importance of integrating HS2 with Northern Powerhouse Rail and upgrading existing lines like the east coast main line. She warned that neglecting these upgrades could undermine levelling up efforts.

I did not get called in the debate but oppose HS2. The Oakervee review found that the benefit-cost ratio dropped from 2.3 to 1.1, and could drop further post-pandemic.

Esther McVey highlighted the excessive costs of HS2, which have risen from £37.5 billion to £150 billion. She questioned the validity of previously stated cost estimates and called for a re-vote in the House of Commons based on new information about the project's true costs provided by whistleblowers within HS2. The Minister should provide full answers to questions that could not be addressed during the debate.

The SNP supports high-speed rail in principle but criticises HS2 for its lack of emphasis on connectivity across the UK, especially with Wales. The project's costs are increasing, and devolved nations must not be left out of pocket as a result. Environmental concerns have been raised, particularly regarding HS2's impact on ancient woodlands and aquifers.

HS2 should not be seen in isolation; it can free up capacity for both passengers and freight, improving connectivity across northern England. I argue that HS3 (Liverpool-Hull railway) complements HS2 rather than competes with it.

Mr Smith criticised HS2 for its excessive costs, which have risen to £146 billion, and questioned the project's economic viability. He highlighted environmental destruction, including damage to nature reserves and wildlife habitats, and expressed concern about the human impact on residents along the route.

Expressed concern over reports of the Government's wavering commitment to building HS2, particularly in bringing it to Leeds. Hoped that the Minister would reaffirm the full commitment to the project.

The hon. Member for Coventry North West has outlined the criteria of honesty, transparency, value for money and openness. HS2 has failed on all these fronts due to rocketing costs.

Noted substantial impact and disruption caused by vent shaft works associated with tunnelling under Ealing North. Requested the Minister's review of survey results from residents on Carr Road and Badminton Close, seeking improved communication and accountability from HS2.

Investment in HS2 is not instead of but as well as upgrading the TransPennine route, Northern Powerhouse Rail and local infrastructure for better jobs, connectivity and environment.

The line should have followed existing transport corridors to reduce environmental damage. HS2 Ltd has acted thoughtlessly, failing to communicate effectively about their works and causing significant disruption to residents. The budget has risen dramatically without accountability.

Asked whether there should be a commitment from the Government to provide job opportunities in Northern Ireland as part of the levelling-up process related to HS2 construction.

Questioned the initial assumptions about costs and benefits for HS2, suggesting that the current situation with only 50-60% rail journey usage undermines the project's economic case. Requested a reassessment by Ministers.

Morrissey spoke on behalf of Denham and Colne Valley residents, highlighting environmental damage to ancient woodlands and aquifers caused by HS2 construction.

Raised the case of his constituent who had given up land and business for HS2 but has not received compensation despite three years of waiting in a dire financial situation. HS2 management in Birmingham has not made funding available for Darren Barnett and his colleagues, causing financial strain. The Minister should meet them to move the issue forward.

Supporting the HS2 project, Kieran Mullan highlighted Crewe's railway heritage and its importance for local businesses. He argued against making major decisions based on temporary pandemic travel patterns and emphasized the need to upgrade existing infrastructure while considering MPs' feedback.

I agree with the argument that HS2 is necessary for freight movements, as we need to increase railway capacity to move more goods off roads and onto trains.

Margaret Greenwood raised concerns over the environmental impact, spiralling costs, and uncertainty regarding travel patterns post-pandemic. She questioned whether HS2 aligns with efforts to combat climate change and urged for an urgent reassessment of the project's viability given new working conditions facilitated by digital technology.

Western suggested that the scale and importance of HS2 merit a debate in the main Chamber with more time allocated for discussion.

Recalled that when HS2 was first planned, it would have connected to Birmingham New Street instead of Curzon Street, offering better connectivity. Also noted that the original plan included a direct connection with HS1 for travel to continental Europe.

The project must be integrated with the rest of the rail network. The economic opportunity promised by HS2 has not translated into reality in York, where only 6,500 jobs are expected compared to 36,000 in Crewe and 37,000 in Curzon Street.

Rob Butler is concerned about the negative impacts of HS2 on his constituency, including economic inefficiency, environmental destruction, and potential flooding. He cites specific examples such as the impact on Stoke Mandeville, Fairford Leys, Aylesbury, Wendover, and the lack of detailed knowledge regarding construction's impact on local aquifers.

Argued that HS2 will help take freight and polluting lorries off roads, allowing more capacity on railways for electric trains, which would benefit the environment.

Mr Largan argues that HS2 is essential to address capacity issues on the west coast main line. He dismisses claims that remote working and internet use will solve the problem, citing increased rail passenger figures despite technological advancements. Mr Largan also addresses cost concerns by comparing it to overseas aid spending and highlights HS2's potential to improve other transport projects such as Northern Powerhouse Rail.

Ms Green opposed HS2 due to local concerns about its environmental impact and lack of trust in HS2 Ltd. She raised specific issues regarding water supply contamination, citing a loss of bentonite that affected the groundwater quality, and called for increased transparency from HS2.

The MP expressed concerns about the Government's inadequate handling of HS2 and highlighted the project's importance for decarbonisation, job creation, and connectivity. He noted that between June 2018 and June 2019, passenger journeys reached 1.77 billion but due to the pandemic, rail usage dropped to just 4% last year. Dhesi called for continued commitment to HS2's eastern leg to Leeds and emphasized the need for addressing environmental and logistical issues through engagement and transparency.

The construction of vent shafts for HS2 in her constituency is causing major disruption to residents, especially those in deprived areas. The cost has quintupled since 2010, raising questions about whether the environmental damage and disruption are worth the £106 billion price tag.

I am sceptical about HS2's value for money and suggest investing in alternative projects with stronger economic benefits. The Minister should consider the impact of Zoom on business travel.

Supported her colleague's concerns about HS2, highlighting the environmental issues and noise pollution affecting residents. Called for noise-cancelling barriers to mitigate disruption.