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West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine

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Andrew Bowie
West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine

HS2 and the Environment (Jan 2020)

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Ensuring that HS2 strikes the right balance between the needs of affected communities and the environment, and the long-term needs of the country as a whole, is essential.

As you may be aware, Ministers have launched an independent review of HS2, which is also considering HS2’s environmental benefits, in particular for carbon reduction in line with net zero commitments. While the review is ongoing, removals of ancient woodland for HS2 have been stopped – unless they are deemed to be absolutely necessary to avoid major cost and schedule impacts in the event the project proceeds.

As matters stand, HS2 Ltd’s Sustainability Policy commits to the protection of the environment through seeking to avoid significant adverse effects on communities, businesses and the environment, including the prevention of pollution.

The policy also commits to minimising impacts where they occur, and delivering enhancements as far as reasonably practicable to attain no net loss to the natural environment. I am pleased that on current plans a green corridor is also being created alongside the railway, including the planting of seven million new trees and shrubs along the Phase One route from London to the West Midlands.

The Government has also previously committed to providing support for local communities if HS2 is constructed, first along the Phase One route.  An overall £70 million funding package has been made available which would help enhance community facilities, improve access to the countryside, and help improve road and cycle safety in towns and villages along the HS2 Phase One route. It would support local economies where businesses may experience disruption from the construction of the line. 

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  • Driving in the EU post Brexit (Jan 2020)
  • Food Standards and Trade (Feb 2020)
  • HS2 and the Environment (Jan 2020)
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  • House of Lords Reform (Feb 2020)
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  • Lords Amendment ref Child Refugees (Jan 2020)
  • NHS Pensions, Pension Tax (Feb 2020)
  • Protect the Oceans (Feb 2020)
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  • Support for Veterans (Feb 2020)
  • Transgender Equality (Feb 2020)

Andrew Bowie MP, Conservative Member of Parliament for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine

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