HS2: Children being 'brainwashed' by £280,000 'propaganda' plan for primary school children
The company behind high-speed rail line HS2 has been accused of 'brainwashing' pupils after it signed a £280,000 contract to 'educate' children in primary schools about the benefits of the £55.7 billion project
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Key Stage 2 pupils will be encouraged to make a 'zoom train' from cardboard and straws, powered by a balloon. This follows on from a programme in secondary schools along the route of HS2, which encouraged pupils to look at possible routes for 'zoom rail' from London to Birmingham.
Whilst the pack contains the disclaimer 'the materials in this pack are for educational purposes only and are not intended to be a representation of any particular project', campaigners say it is clear that it represents HS2, with several references to HS2 sources and the entirety of the documents produced in HS2 Ltd's format, with the 'zoom train' containing HS2s' logo and 'engine from growth' slogan.
The tender document for the primary school engagement programme, which was awarded at a cost of £280,000, states: "The education programme is an integral element of HS2 Ltd's broader approach to creating skills and employment opportunities. It aims to educate and inform children, young adults, and their families about HS2 and the employment and training opportunities it will create and support, prioritising schools closest to the line of route, stations and depots, with a focus on schools that are in more deprived areas and score below average for educational attainment."
But Joe Rukin, Stop HS2 campaign manager, said: "Just when we thought HS2 Ltd couldn't sink any lower, we find they are spending over a quarter of a million on targeting primary school children along the route of HS2 for brainwashing.
"The concept of state-sponsored propaganda, which is tailored so children in communities impacted by HS2 must come to the conclusion HS2 is a brilliant idea, is truly Orwellian."
HS2 will cut through a 45-mile swathe of Staffordshire countryside from Lichfield to Stone. It is set to open fully by 2033 and work could start next year.
Penny Gaines, chairman of Stop HS2 said: "Reading through the information presented to students and teachers, there are some bizarre assumptions in it.
"For example, if you were to believe the information packs, there are no advantages to building stations along the route, only in London and Birmingham. For example the route cards only give disadvantages for building stations at Milton Keynes, Bicester and Warwick. Only journey times from city centres are considered not overall journey times."
"It should be remembered that all HS2's money comes from the Government. These resources are not being paid for by other companies, they are being paid for by taxpayer's money. And when these students become earners, it is their taxes which will be paying for HS2."
A spokesperson for HS2 said: "HS2's goal is to provide Britain with a legacy of skills and experience that will benefit the whole industry. We are committed to ensuring that young people receive access to learning and skills opportunities which will enable them to play a role in the construction, development and ongoing operation of HS2 and other transport and infrastructure projects.
"We're 17 years away from introducing high speed rail between the Midlands and the north of England, so it's right that we plan ahead and help young people to develop the skills and knowledge they need to take advantage of the opportunities available."
