HS2 protesters block compounds from Euston to Warwickshire

The group, who call themselves HS2 Rebellion, claim the work is non-essential and that, by failing to stop during the lockdown, it is putting the lives of workers and their families at risk.

They say that health workers remain without personal protective equipment (PPE) and that money used for construction projects should be channelled to such medical supplies instead.

The protesters said they were respecting social distancing guidelines by wearing gloves and masks and claimed the actions were part of their state-sanctioned daily exercise.

Some of the sites where protests took place included Euston in London, Colne Valley in Uxbridge, and in Warwickshire.

And among more than twenty HS2 compounds is a site in Maple Cross - with an eight mile tunnel for HS2 being built nearby.

Alan Mitchell, who lives in Denham Way and around a mile from the compound, told the Observer last month it was "hypocritical" of the government to allow work to continue at the compound while the pandemic was ongoing.

Yesterday, across England, demonstrators wore gloves and face masks and say they remained two metres apart throughout the protests.

In Euston, approximately 15 people, working in shifts, blockaded two vehicle entrances to one HS2 compound.

Three people at a time, held a banner reading NHS not HS2.

HS2 Rebellion said the protesters were dispersed by police.

Banners reading "NHS not HS2" intend to draw attention to the disparity of funding between new Government projects and the "chronic underfunding" of the NHS, the HS2 Rebellion said.

Some protesters scaled a tree using climbing equipment in front of the main building at Euston station and displayed similar banners.

They included Paralympic gold medalist and multiple world record holder James Brown, who said: "It’s been great to see so many protectors up and down the route coming out today to show the country what a catastrophic white elephant the HS2 project is.

"It must be stopped and we must divert its funds to supporting the NHS."

Protesters at an HS2 site in Euston in London. Credit: HS2 Rebellion

Mr Brown, 55, was at Euston despite currently being on bail with conditions to stay away from HS2 sites.

He has been charged with criminal damage at another HS2 construction site and is awaiting trial.

In the Colne Valley, ten people continue to occupy a HS2 compound entrance and a garage.

Protesters say this is preventing HS2 from destroying woodland, wetland and a residential home.

HS2 has plans to drill into an aquifer here, which protesters say risks contaminating a water source which supplies 3.2 million Londoners.

HS2 Rebellion says Harvil Road wildlife protection camp is facing eviction from a site they have been occupying in Colne Valley, and a nearby woodland camp.

Mark Keir, Harvil Road Wildlife Protection Camp resident, said: "HS2 is a symptom of a greater malaise. That they can threaten the water supply of 3.2 million people, and threaten the future of our children is unconscionable. One thing stands in the way.

"Whether they like it or not, corporations, governments, national and international systems all depend on people. That’s you. You must be the change. Stand for the trees, stand for the water, for nature, for life. Stand with us."

Protesters at HS2 site Broadwells Wood in Warwickshire. Credit: HS2 Rebellion

HS2 protesters staying in treehouses in Warwickshire. Credit: SWNS

Banners at a protest site in Warwickshire

In April, HS2 Minister Andrew Stephenson said the government's main priority is combating the spread of coronavirus but referring to giving the green light for HS2 work to begin, said: "we cannot delay work on our long-term plan to level up the country".

He added there will be social distancing measures as well as hygiene measures in place.

HS2 could cost as much as £106 billion, according to an official government review of the scheme.