Chris Packham turns his campaigning sights on stopping HS2

WILDLIFE campaigner Chris Packham is preparing to fight the government in the courts to stop construction of the HS2 rail project.

The TV presenter, who lives near Marchwood, has launched a legal action against the multi-billion-pound project, arguing that the decision to press on did not take full account of its impact on the environment.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed in February that HS2 would go ahead, with high-speed train routes linking London to cities including Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds.

The decision followed publication of the Oakervee review, which warned of "serious consequences" for UK industry and infrastructure if it was cancelled at such a late stage.

But Mr Packham, who is fundraising for his case and has so far secured pledges of £70,000, criticised the “flawed” report as giving an incomplete picture. He pointed to recent precedent by the Court of Appeal which ruled against plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport.

Judges said that in giving approval ministers did not adequately consider the government’s commitments to tackle the climate crisis.

Represented by Leigh Day solicitors, Mr Packham warned HS2 would damage or destroy almost 700 wildlife sites, including over 100 ancient woodlands.

The climate impact would be incompatible with the government’s 2050 net-zero emissions target, he argued, because as well as the underreported effect of construction and operation, it would facilitate the large-scale expansion of airports across the UK.

Mr Packham said: “We ask for best informed decisions to be made in the terrifying face of a declared climate and environment emergency. Every important policy decision should now have the future of our environment at the forefront of its considerations.

“But in regard to the HS2 rail project I believe our government has failed. I believe the re-view central to the mandate to proceed was seriously flawed in its methods. I believe that essential submissions regarding environmental concerns were ignored by the review panel.”

HS2 says the project will bring over £92bn worth of benefits to the UK and take cars off the roads. It is forecast ultimately to carry over 300,000 passengers a day – around 100 million a year – as well as enabling the creation of 500,000 jobs and nearly 90,000 new homes.

The city centres of London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Leeds will be connected by 345 miles of new high-speed railway track when fully operational.

Media reports of leaked government estimates say the cost of HS2 has doubled since the 2015 Budget from an estimated £56bn to £106bn.

To donate to Mr Packham’s appeal go to www.crowdjustice.com/case/rethinkhs2/.