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Economic Development

Former whip Michael Fabricant to lead rebellion against HS2

Tory Vice-Chairman Michael Fabricant urges Labour MPs to back his attempt to block high speed rail legislation

A computer-generated image of plans for the entrance to Birmingham Curzon Street HS2 Station, from the Birmingham Curzon HS2 Masterplan

Former Tory whip Michael Fabricant is to lead opposition to the planned high speed rail line when it is debated in the Commons later this month.

The MP, Vice-Chairman of the Conservative Party, will attempt to block the second reading of the High Speed Rail Bill when it comes to the Commons on April 28.

It follows the Government’s announcement that the second reading will be held on just one day, despite demands for at least two days of debate.

Mr Fabricant, MP for Lichfield in Staffordshire, has tabled an amendment which, if passed, would require the Government to draw up a new route allowing a high speed rail line to be built at lower cost and causing less damage to the environment.

The House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee has also warned that better safeguards need to be implemented if harmful environmental impacts of HS2 are to be minimised.

Mr Fabricant said: “I have taken the unusual step of tabling an amendment to the Second Reading which, if passed, would defeat the Bill.

“I hope it might attract Labour as well as Conservative votes if it is chosen to be voted on by the Speaker. In any event, it points out clearly in House of Commons papers the arguments against the Bill.

 “I know that the majority of MPs of all parties support the principle of HS2 and that the Bill’s Second Reading is likely to be passed with a huge majority with Labour support, though many MPs are uneasy about the way HS2 is being implemented.