NFU President Meurig Raymond is chairing a meeting at NFU HQ on Friday for farmers affected by HS2 who have lodged a petition with the HS2 Select Committee.
During the meeting NFU’s Parliamentary Agent will explain the process and procedure for giving evidence in support of individual petitions to the Select Committee in parliament. It is expected that the evidence-giving process will begin in mid-October. NFU rural surveyor Louise Staples and NFU tax advisor Michael Parker will also talk about the NFU’s petition.
Over the last few months the NFU has supported its members through its Legal Assistance Scheme in the preparation of their petitions against the HS2 Hybrid Bill, which had to be deposited on Friday May 23.
NFU President Meurig Raymond, said: “Farmers who have petitioned the Bill will now have an opportunity to give evidence on their petitions to the HS2 Select Committee.
“The select committee will hear all individual circumstances which could result in changes to the Bill. There is no substitute for the Select Committee hearing directly from individual farmers and growers about the impact HS2 will have on their farm businesses. This evidence will create a stronger case for all farmers and growers and help to achieve better compensation and mitigation.”
The NFU will also be giving evidence on its own petition which it submitted on behalf of farmer members who will be impacted by HS2, and it highlights the key overarching issues of HS2 that will affect rural businesses. This includes, a duty of care, to mitigate land take and to consider taxation issues.
