MP questions government on High Speed Rail
19 March 2010
Jim Cunningham, MP for Coventry South, pressed the government over a proposed high speed rail route through the West Midlands in the House of Commons yesterday.
The Secretary of State for Transport, Lord Adonis, recently announced plans for a proposed high speed rail link, connecting London and a new station in Birmingham City Centre. The line would run close to the Coventry area in Westwood Heath and Burton Green.
Speaking at Oral Questions to the Minister of State for Transport, Sadiq Khan MP, Jim Cunningham said:
"While I would welcome a high speed rail line through the West Midlands because of the benefits it would bring, there is a concern about the corridor between Coventry and Warwickshire. Can we be given assurances that there will be both adequate public consultation as soon as possible, and a realist impact study undertaken of the possible effects on the area?"
The Minister of State replied:
"My hon. Friend has been a keen advocate of High Speed 2, but he has also been keen to ensure that we are aware of the downsides of a high-speed line. Consultations with local residents have already begun. I will make sure that my hon. Friend is kept abreast of developments and that his views about the need to consult as many people as possible are taken on board before the autumn consultation begins."
Speaking after question time, Jim Cunningham MP commented:
"This scheme has the potential to bring many benefits to the region, especially given that the West Midlands have been one of the hardest hit regions in the recession. Among other things, we have seen a severe erosion of our manufacturing industry. This link would therefore be a shot in the arm for the region in many ways. During the construction phase, more than 10,000 jobs would be created.
"However, I am very mindful of the environmental impact of these proposals. I am pressing the government to commit to consulting with residents and conducting realist impact assessments on the region. 50% of the route is proposed to be on virgin land and therefore we need to think very carefully about the environmental impacts this will have.
"I will continue to keep the pressure on the government on this issue to ensure that the views of all residents are taken into account when the official consultation begins in the autumn.
"This could be a great economic boost for the region if it is managed properly."
