“This is a once- in- a- lifetime
opportunity in every way” states the HS2 website. This quote is the first line
on their “Why join HS2?” page and presents a convincing argument, as it goes on
to speak about additional jobs, better quality of life, more opportunities and
easier connections [1]. It is easy to see why so many people and politicians
are fighting for it. However HS2 has left people completely divided and has
provoked both strong support and public outrage.
As a result there have been protests,
campaigns, and political debate into whether this project should continue.
On one hand there is public outrage over
the project. Campaigns such as “Stop HS2” have sparked huge responses and
protests. Their work has included fundraisers for the campaign, petitioning,
protests, and some keen supporters even camped out under a digger to prevent
tree felling! [2] One can see the ferocity of the campaign and the strong
feelings to prevent this have lead to surprising and effective action against
it. On their website they even provide the public with their own “Toolbox” on
simple ways to help the campaign. These include tips such as writing to your
local MP and councillors, print out posters and display them around your local
area, organising public events along the HS2 route, setting up stalls, sharing
things online and many more [3]. The small local protesters are having big
effects, but it is not just them there are many more campaigns, companies and
MP’s that have spoken out against HS2 such as HS2 Action Alliance, Woodland
Trust, Conservative MP David Amess, Labour MP Alisdair Darling, even Church
Care the Cathedral and Church building division have spoken about the HS2 and
its potentially damaging effects. It is overwhelming to see the countless
opinions that have been presented by such a wide range of people.
On the other hand with the protests have
come lots of support for HS2. Some campaigns have even urged that they extend
the line; 20 Miles More is a Liverpudlian campaign that is fighting for Phase b
of HS2 to extend to Liverpool [4]. In addition to this there are various
corporations that have invested in the scheme and think it will help their
business such as Temple, which is an infrastructure and property consultancy
focusing on environmentally sustainable transport. Think tanks such as IPPR
North have vocalised their support for HS2 [5]. Again there are copious MPs who
have supported the HS2 movement and carried through many bills and amendments
in the Houses of Parliament with an overwhelming support of 399 MPs voting in
favour of the third reading of the bill [6]. Once again we are presented with a
wide array of arguments from a wide array of people.
HS2 has provoked some of the strongest
reactions from both sides of the campaign line. It is remarkable to look at so
many responses and exciting to see thousands of people vocalising their
opinions. With strong cases and campaigns from both sides it will be
interesting to see who will come out on top and how far the protesters can
impose their influence.
REFERENCE:
[2] Stop HS2
Protesters Camp Under Digger to Halt Tree Felling http://stophs2.org/news/17347-17347
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