Patrick McLoughlin, Secretary of State for Transport, has written to Michael Fabricant with new compensation packages for homeowners living along and near the proposed route of HS2.

Michael says: “This is a generous package of compensation for those living along the route of HS2 within 120 metres either side of the track though those living just that bit further away, but are still affected by the line, will still not be compensated unless they can convince HS2 that they have a real need to sell their property.

“However, I will still continue to oppose HS2 in Parliament and elsewhere. It cannot be built until a further vote is held in Parliament after the next election. Although we need an extra North-South line, the route of HS2 is much more environmentally damaging and expensive than it need otherwise be. Unlike similar lines on continental Europe, it doesn’t follow an existing transport corridor such as a motorway or main line. It is also ridiculous that it doesn’t even connect with the high speed line through the Channel Tunnel.”

Click here to see the letter from the Department for Transport.