Menu
UK Parliament

Lords examines High Speed Rail (West Midlands-Crewe) Bill

15 December 2020

There is no description available for this image (ID: 136761)

The High Speed Rail (West Midlands-Crewe) Bill completed its third reading, a chance for members to make sure the eventual law is effective, workable and without loopholes, on Monday 14 December.

While no changes to the wording of the bill were suggested ahead of third reading, members considered a motion by Lord Adonis that the bill should only conclude its passage through the Lords with the added caveat that:

"the House takes note of the further steps required to complete HS2 in line with the commitments given by successive governments since 2010, including the necessity for early legislation to complete the promised HS2 lines from Crewe to Manchester and from Birmingham to Sheffield and Leeds.”

Following a debate, the motion was withdrawn.

Following the completion of third reading, the bill now returns to the House of Commons for consideration of Lords amendments.

Report stage: Tuesday 8 December

Members discussed changes to the security and public safety provision of the works, regular reports to Parliament on the effect of HS2 on ancient woodlands and independent scrutiny of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs).

Third reading, a chance for members to make sure the eventual law is effective, workable and without loopholes, is scheduled to take place on Monday 14 December.

Report stage day one: Monday 30 November

Members discussed a range of subjects including proposals for a West Midlands to Yorkshire high speed route and preservation of ancient woodlands, and asked the government to think again on consultations with local residents in Shropshire, Stafforshire and Cheshire.

There were four divisions (votes) on proposed amendments (changes) to the bill.

The first was on amendment 1, which requires the government to provide Parliament with legislative plans for a high-speed railway from the West Midlands to Sheffield and Leeds, within six months of the bill's passing.

Members voted 265 for and 274 against, so the change was not made.

The second vote was on amendment 4, which requires the government to undertake consultation with residents and stakeholders in relation to Phase 2a of the High Speed 2 project, and to produce a report on its findings by May 2021.

Members voted 276 for and 259 against, so the change was made.

The third vote was on amendment 5, which ensure that construction work on the High Speed 2 project yields a 10% biodiversity net gain.

Members voted 57 for and 234 against, so the change was not made.

The final division was on amendment 6, which ensures scheduled works do not destroy areas of natural woodland, directly or indirectly.

Members voted 38 for and 222 against, so the change was not made.

Committee stage day two: Thursday 12 November

Members discussed topics including the commission of an independent peer review of the HS2 project, cost-benefit assessments and land owners' inconvenience.

The committee stage of this bill took place in Grand Committee, away from the chamber. In Grand Committee, any member can take part and decisions on amendments (changes) can be made, but no votes can take place.

Committee stage day one: Monday 9 November

Members discussed a range of topics, including the excavation of burial sites and removal of monuments, reports on environmental impact and compensation schemes for tenants.

Second reading: Monday 9 September 2019

Baroness Vere of Norbiton (Conservative), parliamentary under-secretary in the Department for Transport, opened the debate on the bill and responded on behalf of the government.

Following second reading, members considered a 'carry-over motion', proposed by Baroness Vere of Norbiton, which would allow the Lords consideration of the bill to continue after a dissolution or suspension of Parliament. The motion was agreed without further debate.

High Speed Rail (West Midlands-Crewe) Bill summary

This bill aims to allow construction of the second phase of a new national high speed rail network, HS2. This phase involves building a new railway line between the West Midlands and Crewe.

Further information

Image: HS2

Related news