Michael Fabricant asked the Secretary of State for Transport for a rethink on HS2 today (17th December) following Sir Howard Davies’ report on the siting of the 3rd runway in the south-east.

Agreeing with the Labour Chairman of the Transport Select Committee who said that doing nothing about London’s third runway, Michael said from Hansard:

Michael Fabricant (Lichfield) (Con):

I very much agree with the comments made by the Chairman of the Transport Committee that the current situation is an option that cannot go on for much longer, but I also agree with comments made by Opposition Members about the connectivity with Birmingham. Given that senior engineers in HS2 doubt the efficiency, cost and environmental suitability of the route, would it not make sense to link HS2 directly not only from Birmingham to central London, but to whichever airport is chosen to have that third runway?

Mr Patrick McLoughlin:

I am not sure which people in HS2 my hon. Friend is referring to when he says that they are opposed to the current route. We are committed to that route and have deposited the Bill before the House.

During Mr McLoughlin’s brief answer, Michael Fabricant was saying loudly “Oh yes you do.”

Michael now says: “The route of HS2 is flawed. Even some senior executives at HS2 now admit this. It is several billion pounds more expensive than it need be and it could be less environmentally damaging by using existing transport corridors now that it will no longer run at ultra high speeds. Yet the Government blindly presses on regardless. It makes no sense to construct HS2 if it doesn’t directly link with wherever will be London’s main airport.”