I have written to Robert Syms MP, Chair of the HS2 Select Committee, to lend my support to the ideas behind the proposals put forward by the HS2 Action Alliance group. HS2AA have done excellent work on behalf of residents in South Northamptonshire to investigate the complex issues surrounding the construction and operation of the proposed high speed line. I am particularly grateful to Hilary Wharf, Andrew Bodman and Emma Crane for their dedicated engagement to securing better compensation and mitigation along the line of route.

The three key proposals I am supporting are:

1. consideration of a reduction in the maximum speed of trains along the line from 360 km/h to 300 km/h;
2. independent oversight of the environmental impacts of HS2;
3. the guaranteed planting of 2 million trees along Phase One.

You can read a copy of my letter to Robert here.