Government can be under no illusion as to the strength of opposition to HS2 from both myself, constituents, and our parish councils.

This week in Parliament, the fight continued at a meeting hosted by myself and Mid Cheshire Against HS2. Lord Berkeley, former deputy chair of the Oakervee Review into HS2 along with other Cheshire MPs attended.

I set out my continued opposition to the scheme and will continue to do so even while Government seems adamant to press on with this complete waste of money.

I would like nothing more than to see the entire scheme scrapped, but in particular phase 2b which links Crewe to Manchester – as that is the section which will affect our area.

Separately in recently weeks, the Hybrid Bill committee started taking evidence from those affected by the line. As part of this process, residents and groups were able to submit detailed information about how the route will impact them and suggest changes that should be made.

While all involved are still very much opposed to the line, this is a necessary part of the current stage and it is about lobbying for mitigating measures. I will be appearing before the committee in the coming weeks but many of our parish councils have already given their evidence.

I have been so impressed by each and every one of them as they appeared before the committee which is made up of cross party MPs. To date Wincham, Lach Dennis and Lostock Green, Plumley and Lostock Gralam have appeared before the committee, with others due in the coming days and weeks.

Parish councillors are not paid for what they do, they do it because they are passionate about the area they represent.

The time and effort put into preparing for the session should not go unmentioned. The quality of evidence given shows their commitment to the cause and their local residents.

So many people and groups in Tatton have worked tirelessly unearthing the shortcomings of HS2 both in terms of the fundamental concept of the line and the business case itself and this has shone through at every session.

Our resident expert, retired geologist Ros Todhunter appeared before the committee this week and spoke in excess of 80 minutes against a field of experts.

She faced down a seven-strong team of HS2 experts including ground condition experts and senior engineers as well as the HS2 barristers. 

The fight against this line very much continues and as the MP for Tatton, I could not be prouder of each and every person who has given and will give evidence to the committee and the hard work and sheer determination shown in fighting HS2.