HILLINGDON campaigners against the planned HS2 rail link were among 200 demonstrators outside the Commons on Thursday – accompanied by a large, inflatable white elephant.

The day-long demonstration began at 10.30am and was organised to coincide with the parliamentary debate on the £32bn rail plan.

Demonstrator Joe Rukin said: “The whole day was very positive - It was good to see so many people turn up.

“In the debate, there were several new MPs who came out against High Speed Rail or were questioning it.

“More MPs spoke against HS2 than for it. The only downside was that a number of them didn’t get to speak because the debate was cut short, but we know the arguments and we’ll keep chipping away.”

John McDonnell , Labour MP for Hayes and Harlington, who spoke against HS2, said: “My constituents have relatives in the north of the borough who are losing their homes and losing social facilities such as the excellent Hillingdon Outdoor Activities Centre.

“There are also further threats to Green Belt land. I am becoming increasingly convinced that the economic arguments do not outweigh the environmental damage threatened by the route.

“The Government have completely mishandled the scheme - and I speak as one who would be a natural advocate of the advancement of rail in this country.”

Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner MP Nick Hurd (Conservative) spoke with demonstrators but was unable to take part in the debate because of his role in the Cabinet Office.

John Randall, Conservative MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip, also promised to meet demonstrators but had to send his apologies after breaking his foot.

There was a UK North-South divide in the debate, with York Central MP Hugh Bayley (Lab) criticising “short-sighted southerners who frankly could not care less whether a railway goes beyond their county.”

He said: “We, as British citizens, have as much right to be connected to our country’s capital - and, through the capital, to Europe - as people living in the south.”

South Northamptonshire MP Angela Leadsom (Con), who opened the afternoon debate by speaking against the plans, concluded the debate.

She said: “There has been plenty of anecdotal evidence today. So-and-so says this and so-and-so says that, but I have heard no hard evidence that HS2 will be good value for money.