“I am naturally bitterly disappointed that it has been decided to proceed with HS2 though I recognise this was a tough decision for the Prime Minister.

“This line does not connect with the main rail interchange in Birmingham, Birmingham New Street, and the Birmingham sector is just a spur off the main HS2 route from London to the North.  Nor does HS2 connect with Heathrow or the Channel Tunnel.  So this is a missed opportunity to improve the line and make it more environmentally friendly – and cheaper – by rerouting it to follow an existing rail or transport corridor.

“Sadly, I suspect in years to come, people will look back and say ‘HS2 could have been so much better’.

“But given that the decision has been made, I am pleased that the Boris recognises that HS2 Limited is a dysfunctional company and will need to be remanaged.  The Prime Minister also confirmed to me today, when I challenged him in the House of Commons, that compensation to those affected by HS2 should be generous.”

This morning, Michael appeared on the ‘Today’ programme on BBC Radio 4 talking about HS2 with Justin Webb.  You can hear it here.