A Petitioner’s guide to HS2 Phase 2a
Those affected by HS2 will soon have just 25 days to submit their objections to the scheme as the second reading of the Bill is expected imminently.
The second reading of the HS2 Bill is set to take place in the House of Commons in early January 2018, and those affected will then have a minimum of just 25 days to submit their petitions after the Second Reading debate.
What is petitioning?
Petitioning is a two-stage process ultimately designed to allow you to put forward your objections to specific elements of the HS2 scheme that affect you. Firstly, you must submit a written petition to Parliament. Once the relevant petitioning period has ended you have the chance to appear before a House of Commons Select Committee to put forward your objections and set out what you require the Committee to consider by way of alternative solutions.
What has happened so far?
By way of a brief background, The High-Speed Rail (West Midlands to Crewe) Bill, or Phase 2a as it is more commonly known, was deposited with Parliament and given its first reading on July 17, 2017. At this point the Environmental Statement Consultation began following the release of a whole raft of documents, the closing date for responses being September 30, 2017.
What happens next?
We are now eagerly awaiting the second reading of the Bill in the House of Commons following the end of the Environmental Statement Consultation process. It has recently been confirmed that this could be taking place early this month, January 2018.
Whilst a delay in the second reading has allowed those affected a little comfort to enjoy the Christmas period, Parliament advise that once the second reading has taken place the period for submitting your written petition will be open for a minimum of 25 days.
Robert Browne of Fisher German’s Stafford Office said: “Once the Bill has been read, you will have at least 25 days to submit your written petition. This is one of the last opportunities to have your voice heard at Select Committee before the Bill is passed. Your petition forms the basis of your case, make it count.”
Charles Meynell, also of the Stafford Office, is a Roll B Parliamentary Agent and has represented a number of clients during the Phase 1 petitioning process. He added: “During Phase 1, HS2 tended not to negotiate until we were close to the corridors of Parliament. To achieve support from the Committee you must put forward solutions which would resolve or mitigate the effects of the scheme. It is not for the Committee to make the suggestions but rather for the members to challenge HS2 as to why your reasonable proposals cannot be designed into the scheme.”
For more information on Petitioning please contact your local office for more information:
