HS2 and the EU

I recently wrote to Simon Burns, the Minister with direct responsibility for HS2, on behalf of a constituent who had heard that an EU directive was forcing the UK Government to build HS2. As you will see from Mr Burns’ reply this is not the case.

HS2 Rolling Stock (Trains)

On the 26^th of April I posted a letter I had written to the Secretary of State for Transport concerning data I had come across on the Treasury’s website regarding the estimated cost of rolling stock (Trains) for HS2. Specifically, I asked the Secretary of State who would be funding the purchase of rolling stock. The Secretary of State has now replied and as you will see he has indicated that no decision has yet been made on how the rolling stock will be funded.

East of Watermead’ Planning Application

I have now written to John Byrne, Head of Planning at AVDC, to outline my views on these proposals. I hope you will agree that my letter discusses the major points of concern in detail, and emphasises the strong feeling of local opposition to the application.

 

Stoke Mandeville and the Paralympics

Earlier this year I wrote to the Prime Minister regarding the possibility of Stoke Mandeville being the centre of the flame lighting ceremony for all future Paralympic Games. I have now received a reply and as you will see the Prime Minister has asked to be kept up to date on developments.

Romanian and Bulgarian Immigration to the UK

I recently received a letter from Mark Harper, Minister for Immigration, concerning Romanian and Bulgarian immigration to the UK, which I thought may be of interest to constituents, therefore, I have enclosed a copy of the letter below.

 

HS2- Environmental Statement and Design Refinement Consultations

Today the consultations on the Environmental Statement and Design Refinement for HS2 were announced. You can read the relevant documents for the Environmental Statement Consultation here and the Design Refinement Consultation here.  Both consultations close on the 11^th of July (8 weeks from today).

I will add more information to this post as it becomes available.

National Audit Office and HS2

The National Audit Office has published a critical report on HS2. You can read the report here. What is likely to happen now is an enquiry by the Public Account Committee to which the Department for Transport will give detailed evidence.