A CHESHIRE MP who opposes HS2 says a new report by a powerful Commons committee into the confusions surrounding the line is yet more evidence the scheme should be scrapped.

Tatton MP Esther McVey said while the report mainly focused on Euston station, it also laid bare failings of the entire scheme.

The report by the Commons Public Accounts Committee concluded the Department for Transport ‘does not know what it is trying to achieve’ in regard to Euston Station and criticised the spiralling costs and the impact the scheme is having on communities.

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Ms McVey said: “From compensation to safety, the project is ill thought through, and some of the engineering proposals seem to be based on fantasy rather than fact - particularly across the salt mines of Cheshire, just as they as they have been found to be around Euston station.

“HS2 needs to stop.

“The taxpayer should not be expected to throw good money after bad in the vague hope this white elephant can be saved.

“The world has moved on, meetings are held on Zoom to save money and time.

“Land is needed for homes rather than for a train line to get a few people to London quicker.

“And the electricity required for this new train line will be needed for cars and homes.

“HS2 is out of date and should finally come to the end of the line.”

The report comes days after Ms McVey appeared before a group of MPs examining phase 2b of the line which will link Crewe to Manchester.

She was giving evidence on behalf of owners of Pickmere Stud Farm who were unable to attend in person.

During the session Ms McVey criticised HS2 for not carrying out ‘meaningful’ engagement with those directly affected and set out the complexity surrounding compensation.

She said: “I had to step in to speak on the behalf of two constituents as the pressure of dealing with HS2 Ltd, and the blight on their home and businesses, has taken a toll on their health.

“HS2 cuts through a section of their farm - not enough to qualify for suitable recompense but enough to destroy their livelihood, just as it will do to others up and down the country.

“So many of my constituents are suffering at the hands of HS2 and it is utterly unacceptable.”