MPs backing for high speed rail plan

The Government's HS2 high-speed rail plan was today backed by MPs following an inquiry into the £34 billion project. But the transport select committee's approval came with a number of provisos.

These included MPs urging supporters and opponents of the scheme to desist from name-calling and terms such as "nimbys" and "Luddites". The committee said there was a "good case" for HS2 with its 250mph, 1,100-passenger trains.

Services would run from London to Birmingham and then on to north-east and north-west England and Scotland.

Bitterly opposed by some residents and councils, including Staffordshire County Council and Lichfield District Council, HS2 would run through picturesque Tory heartlands in its first phase from London to Birmingham, with the Government due to make a decision on the route before the year's end.

Two new stations would be built in Birmingham, one by the airport and another in the city centre. However the trains would have to slow to normal speeds to reach the city centre one. Councillors in Staffordshire believe areas like Whittington near Lichfield will have the countryside carved up, with no economic benefits for the immediate area.

The committee's report highlighed areas of concern such as the assessment of alternatives to the scheme, as well as the environmental impact and questioned the financial and economic case for the scheme.

The report said: "We call on the Government to consider and to clarify these matters before it reaches its decision. Unlike policies for major roads and airports, this proposal has all-party support. It is not, however, universally supported by MPs or the public."