What does the ‘HS2’ stand for? 

 High speed two.

What is HS2? 

 HS2 is a high speed railway designed to connect Britain's main cities by a green high speed railway.

How does it work? 

 The train would reach the speeds of 250 miles per hour and will offer thousands of seats to people wanting to travel across the UK. 

Why is it being proposed? 

To help get cars and lorries off the road and to reduce the need for air travel, for pollution reasons.  

What are the three main benefits of HS2? 

• It’s environmentally friendly.
• It is very fast.
• Will make space in the normal rail service as it is very crowded now.  

What is phase one? 

Phase 1 - HS2 will travel between London and Birmingham on 140 miles of track for quicker journeys with more trains and seats. 

So what is happening now? 

People protesting against HS2 have been building tunnels underneath Euston Square that are about 100ft long, they have chained themselves to the underground tunnels in protest against the HS2 and the police arrived and are trying to get people out of the tunnels as it is unsafe. 4 people have been arrested.  “It will take ages to get everyone out of there.” said one of the arrested protesters. 

So why are people arguing? 

• Here are the people who want HS2 to happen 

• Businesses in the north of England - to make commuting into the capitol city easier and swifter 

• Central Government (Westminster) - freeing up other train routes 

• HS2 Ltd - the company behind HS2 -  making money and supporting job opportunities 

• Here are others who do not want it to happen  

• Conservationist and wildlife groups - believe it will destroy countryside and animal habitats 

• Local people living along the route - worried about noise and views 

• Taxpayers living in South West England - their taxes have gone up in order to pay for the extra amount of time it is taking to build 

• Bus drivers in Birmingham - bus drivers, delivery lorry workers and many more are worried that this will put an end to their jobs.