UKIP East Midlands
Derek Clark slams HS2 decision
Tuesday, 10th January 2012
East Midlands MEP Derek Clark has slammed the decision to build a £32b high speed rail link.
The HS2 project will cut through villages and countryside in south Northamptonshire after the Government backed the go-ahead for the controversial scheme.
But UKIP MEP Derek Clark said he was concerned about the vast cost to the taxpayer.
He said: “I live in Northamptonshire, through which the first stage of HS2, London to Birmingham, will pass. The claim it will shave 33 minutes off the London to Birmingham time is an illusion. It is a complete waste of money.
“Currently, the fastest train, Euston to Birmingham, takes 82 minutes but it stops three times. Non-stop that would be about 76 minutes taking you right into Birmingham at New Street Station.
“HS2 goes to a new station 10 minutes away from there. So the claimed journey of 49 minutes by HS2 becomes effectively 59 minutes, saving only 17 minutes against a non-stop on existing track.
“It is claimed for HS2 that we must compete with Europe with its high speed trains. These other countries are much bigger, so to compete with us they need to cover distances between their capitals and other cities more quickly. “
“When you challenge the Secretary of State and other supporters of HS2 you get the comment, 'but it isn't just London to Birmingham it's going to be London right through to the North of England'.
“To which the reply is, 'So why do they keep on talking about HS2 in terms of London to Birmingham and if it is going to stop at Birmingham, even when the route to the North is up and running, then my times are still valid'.”
