The government gave the green light to HS2 earlier this year, but a group known as HS2 Rebellion is attempting to stall the project, which they claim to be an “ecological disaster”. Subscribe to our channel here: https://goo.gl/31Q53F
The controversial high-speed rail line linking London to Birmingham, and then on to Manchester and Leeds, was given the go-ahead by the government earlier this year.
The project is set to cost more than £100bn and is due to be five years behind schedule.
One of the access roads is being built across the River Colne in Buckinghamshire; however construction has been halted by protesters who sleep in trees in shifts.
HS2 Rebellion say they’re protecting trees and wildlife and the project is “disastrous for the environment”. According to the Woodland Trust, along its route HS2 will also destroy more than one hundred ancient woodlands which have been around for more then four centuries.
A HS2 spokesperson told Newsnight they’d urge environmental groups to help get people out of cars, off planes and onto low carbon high speed rail. They said HS2 is also playing pivotal role in helping the country’s economic recovery out of lockdown, providing thousands of jobs across the country.
UK Editor Katie Razzall reports.
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