East Devon MP: “I can’t back HS2 when the main and branch railway lines in Devon simply are not fit for purpose.”
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The HS2 project is about to be given the go-ahead:
Boris Johnson is set to give HS2 the green light despite Tory fears | dailymail.co.uk
HS2 on track for approval after Tory donors warn Boris Johnson | thetimes.co.uk
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Back in 2013, the cost was £33bn:
Futures Forum: HS2 and the South-West
What’s the problem with HS2? v1.1 | vimeo.com
As the price tag continued to go up, by 2017 the former Chancellor was calling for it to be cancelled:
Futures Forum: The HS2 rail project should be scrapped as it is a ‘waste of money’
It got very mixed up with the costs around Brexit:
Futures Forum: Brexit: and scrapping HS2
The biggest question, though, has been whether it’s money which could be better spent elsewhere:
Futures Forum: HS2 and the South-West: post-Dawlish ….. “Building a few kilometres of new track to secure access to the South West has a far better case than building hundreds of kilometres of vanity trackage to serve places which are already linked by multiple rail and motorway systems.”
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I can’t back HS2 when the main and branch railway lines in Devon simply are not fit for purpose
Simon Jupp MP has been elected to the Transport Select Committee and plans to use the new platform to highlight the need for investment in the South West.
Flybe also hit the headlines with fears the company could fold with around 1,000 job losses at its headquarters at Exeter Airport. I played a part in the response from government which gave the shareholders of the company the confidence to continue operating. The government has agreed to review Air Passenger Duty which I feel needs reform and unfairly hits regional airlines more than international operators.
I decided to stand to be a member of the Transport Select Committee and was successfully elected on February 4. I plan to use this new platform to scrutinise the government’s transport plans and highlight the need for investment in the South West. I can’t back HS2 when the main and branch railway lines in Devon simply are not fit for purpose.
I’m also holding regular advice surgeries across the constituency and appointments are filling up quickly. If you need my help with an issue, I might be able to help and it’s my job to stand up for you when you need me. If you want to meet me to discuss an issue affecting your life in East Devon, drop me an email at simon.jupp.mp@parliament.uk and I’ll be in touch.