HS2 contractor branded 'disgusting' as video appears to show worker coughing over protester in Aylesbury Vale

The incident, which was captured by a 'Stop HS2' campaigner, occurred in Steeple Claydon on Monday morning (23 March).

Frank Mahon, a resident of Steeple Claydon and a member of the campaign group 'Anti-HS2 SOC (Save Our Countryside)', said to The Bucks Herald: “That video is disgusting. It shows a massive lack of respect for the community, the residents, and for the many victims of coronavirus.”

Fellow campaigner Linda Knights added: “I have no words for you regarding the despicable behaviour of the worker who coughed at a protester.”

The video came to light as concern was being raised by Buckinghamshire's MPs and by residents about the behaviour of some HS2 workers in the region during the current coronavirus crisis.

Photos from the outskirts of the village of Steeple Claydon have been sent to The Bucks Herald showing large groups of HS2 workers gathered closely together, in contravention of social distancing guidelines now in place aimed at slowing the spread of the disease.

NHS guidelines state: “Everyone must stay at home to help stop the spread of coronavirus. Stay two metres (3 steps) away from other people, if you need to go outside.”

Responding to the photos, another Steeple Claydon resident and member of the campaign group Anti-HS2 SOC (Save Our Countryside), Lindsey Batham, told The Bucks Herald: “HS2 Ltd work for the Government. The Government should be leading by example, not shirking responsibility. This attitude highlights a total disregard for the communities affected by HS2 and is a real danger to the health of the general public."

Steeple Claydon residents are also asking why HS2 work is happening at all given the current crisis, insisting it does not qualify as 'essential work'.

This was a theme picked up by the MP for Aylesbury Rob Butler when we contacted him. He said: “I am deeply disappointed that HS2 Ltd has not directed its contractors to suspend works whilst the current situation with Coronavirus is developing. Reports that contractors and employees have not been following social distancing guidelines are absolutely shocking and totally unacceptable, and I have written to HS2 Ltd to demand an immediate explanation.

“Many contractors come here from other areas, but I do not see how their travel can possibly be seen as essential. These workers should comply with government advice to stay home, save lives.

“I have therefore written to the HS2 Minister, Andrew Stephenson, to call for all works to be suspended immediately. This is not about the rights and wrongs of HS2, it is about saving lives in the biggest public health crisis for a century."

The MP for Buckingham, Greg Smith, also gave us the following statement: “I am appalled that HS2 Ltd and their contractors continue with enabling works, clearly flouting government advice on social distancing. I have raised their behaviour with the HS2 Minister, calling for all HS2 works to be stopped during the COVID-19 crisis, which he has assured me he is looking at urgently.”

The Bucks Herald contacted HS2 for comment. A HS2 spokesperson said: “To date, HS2 Ltd has been working to ensure business critical and key activities at both our sites and offices were kept going, while following NHS and Public Health England guidance. We are working closely with our Joint Venture partners, who are responsible for their sites, the health, safety and well-being of their staff and the impact of their work on the adjacent community.

“Over the course of this week and into next, we will be reviewing the majority of works on our construction sites in-line with government advice on dealing with COVID-19”.

Since they failed to acknowledge the video despite us clearly telling them about it, we pressed for further comment. HS2 replied: “If someone is ill on site, that’s a question for their employer.”

The Senior Parliamentary Assistant to Rob Butler MP also shared with us a letter that Mr Butler has written to HS2 Ltd CEO Mark Thurston.

In the letter, Mr Butler writes: "I am extremely concerned to hear that your contractors are still working despite the government's clear advice that everybody should stay at home to save lives unless their job is essential to fighting Coronavirus."

"What is even more shocking is that I have reports from constituents that contractors have been coughing over concerned residents, some of whom are likely to be in the vulnerable category as defined by the Chief Medical Officer.”

While resistance to HS2 works has been consistently vigorous in many communities affected along the construction route, the anger is particularly high at the moment because the nesting season has begun.