Chesham and Amersham MP, Sarah Green, has today voiced her opposition to HS2 Ltd.’s bid to take out a route-wide injunction fearing it could undermine the right for people to 'legally and peacefully' protest.
The injunction, which is being heard Thursday and Friday this week at a High Court in Birmingham, applies to a number of named defendants as well as 'persons unknown'.
It would prevent protesters from 'entering or remaining upon the HS2 land' and 'slow walking in front of vehicles in the vicinity of the HS2 Land.'
MP Sarah Green said:
"I am deeply concerned about the potential for this injunction to undermine the right for people to legally and peacefully express their opposition to HS2.
"The scale and scope of the injunction goes far beyond anything HS2 could claim to be proportionate or necessary. Seeking to criminalise any number of 'persons unknown' for setting foot on HS2 land, or for 'slow walking' is a blatant attack on civil liberties and sets a very dangerous precedent.
"Since construction began, HS2 Ltd's heavy-handed interactions with those affected have caused nothing but distress, distrust and suspicion. This injunction is yet another example of HS2 taking a maximalist approach and disregarding the impact on communities along the line of route."
HS2 Ltd has previously told Bucks Radio that the 140-mile-long injunction is necessary to act as a deterrent to often violent activists.
[PICTURE: MP Sarah Green]
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