Is the Government wearing rose tinted spectacles? Or are they purposely covering their ears and eyes so as not to hear and see the protests to the debacle that is HS2?
Because once again, the point of the protesters has been missed, whether by intention or just ignorance. I received a Government communication today in response to a petition I signed against the HS2 rail project. The empty words are a stunning example of tunnel vision (no pun intended) and a self obsessed determination to push through with this hugely expensive and environmentally destructive white elephant of a plan with total disregard for the genuine concerns of citizens nationwide who are opposing the project. In the shockingly smug reply, not a single reference is made to any point of opposition. The whole communication reads like an advertisement for HS2 and vaguely attempts to allay concerns with words that read like a promotional brochure extolling the claimed virtues of this environmental disaster-in-the-making written by someone looking through some pollyanna, rose-tinted spectacles. Are we supposed to just accept this claptrap? Let me quote from the message which fails to address a single question put forward by anxious citizens who deserve a better and less patronising response. “....Opening in 2026, the HS2 network will serve towns and cities including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Sheffield, Crewe, Nottingham, Derby, York and Newcastle....” Really? Liverpool for example isn't even on the current HS2 map which may be just as well given the destruction that HS2 is creating in its path as it winds its way across the country. “HS2 is a major investment but an essential one. HS2’s total budget is £55.7bn.....We are keeping a tough grip on costs and are determined to deliver HS2 on time and on budget...” Yes, well we've heard all that before haven't we? Do they think we are that naïve as to think these things ever come in on budget? Some projected estimates have suggested that the cost could in fact exceed £100bn, money that most of us think would be better invested in the National Health Service than on some madcap rail project that may reduce journey times by half an hour. “Benefits to the North”..... perhaps things like destruction of ancient woodlands and demolition of residential housing? “By 2020, as a result of this ambitious and comprehensive upgrade, passengers will benefit from faster and more comfortable journeys...” at what cost? Train fares are already too expensive for many people, making rail travel increasingly unaffordable. Can we please have some proper responses to the genuine worries over the destruction of our countryside and wildlife? And what of the businesses and houses that will be lost in the wake of this biggest of white elephants. Can you at least give us the courtesy of a direct reply to these questions instead of the mumbo jumbo promotional guff that you considered to be an adequate reply to the petition?
4 Comments
Mike
13/10/2017 02:11:20 pm
Jason
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13/10/2017 02:22:38 pm
Thanks Mike, I appreciate you taking the time to comment.
Reply
13/10/2017 05:09:53 pm
Hi Jason. Well done.. 13/10/2017 07:05:02 pm
Hi Ramon,
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