HS2 - not a done deal? (Chiltern Liberal Democrats)

Chiltern Liberal Democrats <info@chilternlibdems.org.uk>

HS2 - not a done deal?

October 28, 2011 1:41 PM
By Peter Jones

It is easy to be sceptical about any juxtaposition of the words "government" and "consultation". Too often 'consultation' means 'this is what we're going to do whether you like it or not, but we have to go through the motions'.

Let us hope against hope that the HS2 consultation is not a complete sham.

For instance, something called "Transport Times" has organised a meeting for December 14th in Birmingham. Their initial release (

http://www.transporttimesevents.co.uk/conferences.php/Will-HS2-Go-Ahead-31/ )

said:

"The new Secretary of State for Transport, Justine Greening MP will address the conference after she has made a statement to the House of Commons on the results of the proposals for HS2 and the Government's response."

Their one day conference has speakers including Lord Adonis, with topics like "How could HS2 impact on local business?" and "What will be the economic uplift for Birmingham?"

Now we may be being unduly cynical, but that doesn't sound like it is allowing for Justine Greening to come to the conference and say "sorry guys, we've seen sense and we're not going to waste all that money after all" - now does it?

Obviously someone has had words with Transport Times, as they have changed the bit about Justine Greening to

"The Government is currently considering responses to the recent consultation and expects to announce a decision towards the end of the year."

Hmm. Chiltern Liberal Democrats continue to oppose HS2 and are working with others (from other parties and none) to challenge the government's proposals.