28 February 2011 – Green MEP Keith Taylor has condemned the proposed high speed rail link, which would run through his constituency, as “economically and environmentally unsound”. At the Green Party conference this weekend members voted overwhelmingly against the HS2 proposal for a Birmingham-London 250mph train.

The Greens, who remain committed to genuine improvements in public transport, vowed to campaign against the HS2 project which goes to consultation today. The Green Party remains in favour of high speed rail in principle, but any project would need to meet strict criteria.

Keith Taylor MEP for the South East, and a member of the European Parliament’s Transport Committee said:
“The huge impact on local communities and their environment along the proposed route would be extremely damaging. This is particularly worrying given that the economic case is unsound and the claims about reducing CO2 emissions are highly questionable.

“The proposed HS2 trains would burn 50% more energy mile-for-mile than the Eurostar and would produce more than twice the emissions of an intercity train. HS2 is a ‘rich person’s railway’ – the business case assumes that a third of passengers will be on incomes of £70,000 or more. This will clearly not benefit local communities or address their needs for better transport.”