THE QUEEN has given a green light to the next stages of HS2, by announcing the Government's intention to move ahead with two Acts of Parliament – one of which would provide legal powers to acquire land for the first phase between London and Birmingham.

Speaking in Parliament, the Queen said: "My government will continue to invest in infrastructure to deliver jobs and growth for the economy. Legislation will be introduced to enable the building of the High Speed Two railway line, providing further opportunities for economic growth in many of Britain's cities."

The two proposed Acts include a main Hybrid Bill authorising the line, plus a High Speed Rail (Preparation) Bill, also known as a 'paving' Bill, which will be Parliament's opportunity to authorise the release of further funds in the short term to continue development of the scheme.

Industry reaction was swift.

ATOC chief executive Michael Roberts said: “The inclusion of the HS2 legislation in today’s Queen’s Speech is good news for both passengers and the economy. This commitment is the next important step in securing a modern high speed rail network linking the north and south of Britain which will unlock significant economic and environmental benefits.

“A new High Speed line, alongside sustained investment in the existing network, is key to providing the extra capacity today’s booming rail industry will need in the years ahead.”

Centro chief executive Geoff Inskip also welcomed the news. He said: "This is exactly what we wanted to hear – a continuing commitment and tremendous news for the West Midlands. HS2 will bring fast, direct services connecting eight of our ten largest cities, but it will also release capacity for more services on our existing lines. We’re already working to get the best possible benefits from HS2 at a local and regional level and so this continuing, unwavering commitment is crucial.”

Mr Inskip said research revealed that HS2 would create 22,000 jobs and boost the West Midlands economy by £1.5 billion a year when the first phase had been completed, while Andrew Cleaves of the Greater Birmingham & Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership said the project "represents one of the most important opportunities we have in Greater Birmingham to bring about a step change in terms of jobs, connectivity and economic growth".

He continued: “HS2 will have a huge impact on our current local rail capacity challenges and provide the region with the opportunity to create new industry based on our strengths in advanced manufacturing.

“Of course, we do acknowledge that while the economic opportunities are huge, there will be challenges in some areas and the GBSLEP will continue to work with Government to minimise the social and environmental impact."

There was also a renewed wave of criticism from the scheme's opponents, such as Joe Rukin from the campaigning group Stop HS2, who said: "The Government have never been interested in doing HS2 properly, they have only ever wanted it doing quickly. Introducing a Paving Bill shows a complete disregard to both due process and budgetary control.

"The HS2 project has been stalling because of the incompetence of HS2 Ltd and the fact they have kept on getting their figures wrong. Introducing a Paving Bill at this stage is simply writing a blank cheque to the very consultants who after initially lobbying for HS2 to be built, are now consistently over-spending their contracts and displaying gross incompetence.”