The High Court has ruled in favour of the Government, backing its proposed high-speed rail project between London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds.
Out of 10 areas challenged by opposition campaigners, the government received backing in nine, losing out only in a dispute over how the property compensation consultation was conducted.
On March 15, the judge ruled that it was lawful for the Government to rule out upgrading the existing network as a credible alternative to HS2 – noting that a patch-and-mend approach fails to meet the Government’s objectives of providing a long-term boost to capacity and economic growth.
The 15 local authorities challenging the Secretary of State for Transport lost on all seven grounds of challenge they attempted.
The government has said it will be seeking to recoup legal costs from the claimants.
High-speed rail minister Simon Burns said: “This is a major, landmark victory for HS2 and the future of Britain. The judge has categorically given the green light for the Government to press ahead without delay in building a high-speed railway from London to Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds.
“HS2 is the most significant infrastructure investment the UK has seen in modern times and a project the country cannot afford to do without.
“The judgement ensures that nothing now stands in the way of taking our plans to Parliament.
“We will now move forward as planned with the crucial business of getting the scheme ready for construction in 2017 and delivering enormous benefits for the country.”
