Chancellor responds to HS2 rumours, as NFU says engagement with farmers remains “very poor”
27th January 2023
NFU VP David Exwood says poor communication means farmers still do not know what land is being taken for the project, for how long and when it will be returned.
Jeremy Hunt squashed speculation that HS2 trains will stop at the western suburbs of the capital.
Mr Exwood made the remarks in response to rumours that HS2 trains will not run to central London – and will instead terminate in the western suburbs to save money.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt made a statement squashing speculation on Friday (27th January), telling BBC News he does not see “any conceivable circumstances” in which the Euston terminus would not go ahead.
No 10 Downing Street also played down speculation that the project could be significantly delayed or even scrapped – saying the planned construction phases ‘remain the expected delivery dates’, The Guardian reports.
Responding to the row, NFU’s vice president Mr Exwood said: “These reports have again thrown into sharp focus what many farming families living along the route of HS2 have had to endure day in-day out, for years; first-hand experience of the disruption, delay, and spiralling cost of HS2 and they will be dismayed about more uncertainty right along the route.”
He added: “It is completely unacceptable that still, after all this time, the communication and lack of engagement between HS2 and farmers remains so very poor. HS2 is still failing to provide relevant information to farmers, meaning they do not know what land is being taken as part of this project, for how long, and when it will be returned.”
Concluding claims and receiving compensation is also taking years, causing mounting financial pressures, as well as stress and anxiety for farmers and growers – who are already facing significant cost increases and uncertainty.
NFU submitted a petition to parliament last year, calling for measures to restrict the powers of HS2 Ltd.
It covered aspects including: how compulsory purchase powers are used for permanent and temporary land take; powers to only take rights for utility works; for land taken for habitat mitigation to cover issues including drainage and flooding, weed control, and the prolonged occupation of farmland.
“The NFU recognises the importance of investing in the nation’s transport infrastructure,” Mr Exwood added.
“However, it is essential Britain’s food and farming business owners are treated fairly and with respect, meaning farm businesses must be left in a strong, viable condition where land can still be farmed productively, and that HS2 Ltd provides far greater clarity as the project continues.”
