On Monday 8 October at the Conservative Party Conference, Heathrow Hub consultant Mark Bostock spoke on a panel alongside Cheryl Gillan MP and Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP to debate the best route for HS2.  The panel also included the Transport Policy advisor to the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, David Hodges, and Stephanie Boston, of the Conserve the Chilterns and Countryside group.

The debate focussed on the shortcomings of the Government proposed route for HS2; the failing business case, its significant environmental impacts and its failure to provide any viable connectivity with existing transport infrastructure.

Ms Gillan spoke passionately about her desire to mitigate any impacts felt in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a point echoed by all panellists, and argued that HS2, if it is to go ahead, must be designed as part of a wider transport strategy. This emerged as the central theme across the panel debate, with each speaker urging the Government to pause and reconsider the whole project and the route. Ms Gillan made the point that high speed rail in other European countries followed existing transport corridors; unlike the route proposed for HS2.

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP voiced his strong support for the Heathrow Hub proposal, and Mark Bostock’s presentation was met with much approval from his fellow panellists and audience members.

The Bow Group and the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry have both published papers supporting a route for HS2 which connects directly with Heathrow; please find them in the political support and submission section of the website.

Original article here.