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The Supreme Court has dismissed appeals challenging the Government’s decision to proceed with a high speed rail link from London to Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester (HS2). Challenges to HS2 had been brought by 15 local authorities located along the route of HS2, HS2 Action Alliance (local residents’ groups opposing HS2) and Heathrow Hub. The Appellants argued that the Government’s decision failed to comply with the SEA Directive, and that to proceed in Parliament by way of the hybrid bill procedure breached EU environmental law (the EIA Directive). The Supreme Court rejected both of these grounds of appeal.
Kassie Smith QC appeared (with Nathalie Lieven QC) for the local authorities.
The case has been widely covered by the local and national press;
Click here to read judgment on HS2 v SoS for Transport