HS2 challenge rejected by Supreme Court

THE Supreme Court has rejected a legal challenge from opponents of the HS2 high speed rail scheme.

The challenge was mounted by protestors who believed the Government had failed to carry out proper environmental impact studies when preparing the case for the £50bn project.

The opponents had been hoping a legal ruling in their favour would force the Government to rethink.

However, the ruling removes a further barrier to the controversial scheme’s progress although further challenges could be mounted against phase two of the project which involves the extension of the route to Manchester and Leeds.

Transport minister Baroness Kramer said the appeal had addressed technical issues that had “no bearing” on the need for the new railway.

She said: “The new north-south line will provide extra space for more trains and more passengers to travel on the network, delivering additional capacity where it is most needed.

“HS2 will also generate thousands of jobs across the UK and provide opportunities to boost skills.”