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Hazelmere

Minister Lidington pledges to defy Government over HS2

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Published Date:
21 July 2010
Senior Reporter
Aylesbury MP David Lidington says he would vote against the high speed rail proposals in Parliament, even if it meant losing his ministerial job.
As minister for Europe, Mr Lidington would be expected to side with the Government on any whipped vote in the Commons.

He said that with only around 50 MPs directly affected by the route, it was likely the battle against high speed two will have been lost if a bill ever goes before Parliament.

But when asked if he would still vote against a bill to build the proposed route, he said: "At that stage I would consult with my constituents.

"You are asking me about a hypothetical route at the moment but I have said consistently if it came down to it I would vote against the route as proposed."

He admitted losing his ministerial job 'might be the choice I face'.

"But I have a very positive outlook and would look at the legislation in front of me and at the moment we are talking hypotheticals."

He said he was free to criticise HS2, although like any other minister he is unable to speak or ask questions in the Commons.

"I am personally against it (HS2) and there is nothing to stop me representing the views of my constituents.

"When I saw (transport minister) Theresa Villiers two weeks ago I put to her very plainly the strength of feeling and all the arguments against HS2."

The Aylesbury Conservative party has launched an internal high speed action group.

See Voice of the Paper

For much more High Speed Two, pick up a copy of The Bucks Herald, out today.

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  • Last Updated: 21 July 2010 10:58 AM
  • Source: n/a
  • Location: Aylesbury
 
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1

DexterMorganForMayor,

Aylesbury 21/07/2010 14:30:47
I would to thank Mr Lidington for his stance and hope that this farce of a project never gets going.
2

nbw,

21/07/2010 18:18:54
Very brave decision if it means losing his job. Shame Cllr Ashley Bond and other Tory Councillors lacked the backbone to do this and vote against the Eastern Arc - pathetically chosing to cling onto their seats for the time being. I'm sure his electorate up in Weedon will remember his actions come election time next year.
3

APD,

aylesbury 23/07/2010 20:07:39
It is refreshing to see a minister who will put his constituency before his career. The project is completely flawed but then so was the Dome and look what happened there. We cannot afford to stay silent - our voices must be heard. Why not visit the Fairford Leys Action Group website www.saynotohs2.co.uk to find out what is happening in the village.
4

Scout1000,

Aylesbury 25/07/2010 17:08:53
So is Liddington's home too close to the HS2 because I can't see him putting anything on the line unless he was going to gain from it, maybe he knows its going to be scrapped anyway and looks to get some kudos from supporting the opposition.
5

Wiresfan,

Duckville 25/07/2010 21:25:00
Why are so many folks against progress?
What's wrong with a new, fast modern rail system?
Even though most folks on here compailn about the traffic congestion, would they then be against a proper by-pass/ringroad (one that goes actually round the town, not through town centre)?
Liddington trying to get brownie points with the locals, his "against" vote won't make a jot of difference anyway, he knows it and it'll be why he said it.
No risk publicity.
6

nbw,

27/07/2010 10:37:04
Scout 1000, he does live in Princes Risborough - so maybe.

Britain does need a high speed rail link, I wouldn't dispute that. But it does have to be in the right place. It would also be nice if this area benefitted from it's service - but under the current plan, it does not.

Let's not forget that the outgoing Labour government - who decided on this route - were no fans of this local area. It's not exactly their heartland is it??

I would expect the new Coalition government to look again at this route. Perhaps David Liddington knows something we don't. It's easy to say you'll put your job on the line, when in fact you know already that it's not really at any real risk. I hope for the sake of those affacted I am right - but who knows?
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