Amersham Newsletter - 31st July 2013
AS OPPOSITION TO HS2 HOTS UP, YOUR ACTION GROUP NEEDS YOU.........
TO DONATE!!!
As you will have noticed, the campaign against HS2 has been enjoying a few weeks of terrific media coverage. This includes major articles in most national newspapers, features on three editions of Newsnight and numerous radio interviews. Mounting criticism has come from the CBI and London Assembly, plus two former Chancellors of the Exchequer. Former Business Secretary Lord Mandelson, now Labour’s Chair of Election Strategy, has also called on the government to abandon HS2 as an “expensive mistake”.
Against this rising tide of opposition to HS2, we are asking for your help in two areas where the campaign fighting fund is in urgent need of support.
1. Political Party Conferences
With the momentum of opinion in our favour, it is vital that the campaign against HS2 is represented at this year’s Labour and Conservative party conferences to drive key messages home.
Therefore, for the third year running, we are seeking funds to maintain the high campaign profile at these conferences and continue the dialogue with MPs, county, district and local councillors, grass roots party activists and the media.
An effective anti-HS2 presence at the party conferences requires money. For example: a stand at this year’s Conservative Conference in Manchester will cost in the region of £7,000.
To reach this goal, we are therefore appealing to you - once again - to send as generous a contribution as you can.
2. The Judicial Review: appeal to the Supreme Court
On 24th July, the Court of Appeal delivered a split decision on the environmental Legal Challenge brought against the government by HS2 Action Alliance (HS2AA). There were four key issues in the case, which maintained that a Strategic Environmental Assessment should have been conducted. On three issues, all three judges agreed with HS2AA. On the fourth issue, the verdict was 2: 1 in favour of the government. On the basis of the split decision, HS2AA has been granted leave to appeal to the Supreme Court - the highest in the land.
To date, donations from this Action Group, and others like it, have helped make it possible for the legal battle to come this far. Our Amersham and Chalfonts Action Groups have agreed to join with others to help fund the final phase.
We are all fighting to win. Please give as generously as you can.
How to Donate
Cheques, payable to HS2 Amersham Action Group, should be sent to The Treasurer, HS2 Amersham Action Group, 33 Whielden Street, Amersham HP7 0HU.
We can recover gift aid on eligable donations made via the Chesham Society HS2 appeal - using this form.
If you wish to donate by standing order or electronic transfer then please direct the payment to:
Account name: HS2 Amersham Action Group
Sort Code: 30 - 90 - 18 Account no. 15937068
Thank you, once again, for your continuing support. We will keep you up to date with future developments in your campaign.