07.09.12
MP resigns from Government to fight HS2
A Government whip who resigned this week says he did it because he wants the freedom to speak out against HS2.
Lichfield MP Michael Fabricant, who has been a whip for the Conservatives since 2005, told local reporters: “As a Government minister, I’ve been constrained and unable to raise certain issues publicly. It’s been hugely frustrating. Most importantly of all, I want to be able to raise issues in the House of Commons Chamber that directly affect the daily lives of my constituents. One such issue is HS2.
“I strongly believe the route of the high speed line is completely wrong. In my view, the route should not carve its way through unspoiled countryside. It will cause environmental damage not only to southern Staffordshire, but also other sensitive areas like the Chilterns.
“With a rethink on the third runway at Heathrow, it’s now even more important that the route be re-assessed.”
HS2 is hugely controversial in Lichfield: the district council is one of 15 councils making a joint legal challenge against the line, and will make its case at a seven-day hearing of the High Court of Justice Queen’s Bench Division from December 3.
Fabricant said he favoured an earlier Conservative proposal for high-speed rail, the so-called M40/M6 route, which he said “would minimise the environmental impact and avoid Lichfield district which has had more than its fair share of infrastructure projects over the years.”
He added: “It is strange we have adopted Labour Government’s planned route which, it would seem, was designed to damage as much countryside as possible. I will do all that I can to ensure the route is changed back to the original route when it is considered by the House of Commons Bill Committee when it sits in 2013 and beyond.”
Prime Minister David Cameron called Fabricant a “real star” and said he could “quite understand” his decision to quit.
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