NORTH East Labour MPs have lambasted a Tory Peer who claimed they “relish” the idea of digging up the Chilterns to make way for a new rail link.
Lord Astor, the Prime Minister’s step-father-in-law made his extraordinary attack on the premier’s decision to approve the High Speed 2 line from London to Birmingham.
Writing in the latest edition of The Spectator magazine he argued that there was a viable alternative and made an unprovoked attack on politicians in the region who backed the plan.
He said: “It is supported by Northern Labour MPs who relish the thought of the beauty of the Chilterns being destroyed, particularly in Conservative-held seats.”
North MPs called his remarks “crass, offensive and pitiful” claiming the “Tories are out of touch”. But Viscount Astor, who is married to Samantha Cameron’s mother, claims the Prime Minister is ignoring “core values” of choice, and “ruining the lives of thousands of people” along the route of the high speed line.
Labour MP for Wansbeck Ian Lavery said: “I haven’t heard such absolute rubbish. It’s pathetic. I want the line to come to the North East of course. But we need a better train service in the region as well.”
Labour MP for Blyth Dave Anderson also backed the High Speed Link, and rejected the suggestion that Northern MPs love the idea of ripping up the countryside down south.
He said: “It’s total tosh. I like the countryside and I certainly don’t want the Chilterns dug up, but it’s the only way.”
The cost of the new line, claimed Lord Astor, was £32bn in 2009, but is closer to £49bn now.
He said that the figures could not stand up to scrutiny without also assessing the benefits and costs of an extension to the North “which has not been conducted in any detail”. However, Sunderland Central MP Julie Elliott called the peer’s comments “crass and offensive”.
She said: “In the North East we have some of the most beautiful countryside and stunning coastlines, and as MPs we have worked hard to protect similar landscapes across the country.”
She added: “The reason why so many Northern MPs support HS2 is because of the opportunities for jobs and growth in our region.”
Newcastle Central MP Chi Onwurah also chastised the former Conservative minister saying that he should “grasp the relationship between transport infrastructure and economic development and understand the importance of an economy which is balanced both in terms of regions and sectors”. Conservative MP for Hexham Guy Opperman did not think Lord Astor’s comments added to the debate but he said: “This Government’s decision to push forward with HSR2 is a £33bn demonstration of its commitment to rebalancing the UK’s economy towards the North.
“If that upsets some people in the South then so be it.
“I am determined that this Government will not be solely reliant on the City of London for our economy like the last Government was.”
Lord Astor believes it would be cheaper and easier to upgrade the West Coast line with more services. He was not available for comment last night.
