HS2 - A Guide To How You Can Influence The Project

This briefing sets out how you can effectively engage with the approval process for the High Speed 2 rail link from London to Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds if your interests are affected.

Background

A second high speed rail line - HS2 - is being planned to run north from Euston Station in London in two phases. Phase One will run to the West Midlands and re-join the existing railway near Lichfield.

Phase Two will continue the Phase One railway in a Y shape to Leeds and Manchester. Britain's first high speed rail line runs from the Channel Tunnel to St Pancras Station in London and there are also plans to link the two lines.

Each phase of High Speed 2 is due to be authorised by an Act of Parliament. The parliamentary process of considering the proposals includes an opportunity for outside individuals and organisations affected by the project to make objections and be heard by a committee of MPs and peers.