Update on HS2

For many residents in South Northamptonshire, the uncertainty around HS2 has been a huge concern for a number of years now. I've worked hard since I was first elected to ensure that your voices were heard at local meetings, through the Bill process and Select Committee hearings in Parliament, and in representations to both HS2 Ltd and the DfT.

My vote against the Paving Bill are a matter of record but the project passed with overwhelming support in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords at every stage, and I have stood up for local residents ever since to ensure that those directly affected by HS2 Ltd's plans get the compensation that they deserve, and that the scheme is properly mitigated. 

I set up the South Northants HS2 Liaison Forum a number of years ago comprised of representatives from all our affected parishes as well from the District and County Councils, and it meets regularly to discuss and resolve matters of local concern. In Parliament, I started the HS2 Compensation & Mitigation Forum as a space for MPs to come together to discuss our common issues, and to work collectively to press HS2 Ltd for improvements in their approach.

I've met repeatedly with officials from HS2 Ltd, including both the Chairman and Chief Executive, to ensure that matters that affect South Northants residents are on their agenda, and I've worked with Parliamentary colleagues to hold their senior directors to account, especially around their engagement and consultation strategies.

If I can ever be of any help on anything HS2-related, please do not hesitate to contact me. If I am re-elected on June 8th, I have committed, as I have throughout my time as your MP, to doing all that I can to ensure that those affected receive the best possible compensation and that construction is undertaken in the best possible manner.