Aylesbury MP David Lidington, the Europe Minister, delivers his verdict on the High Speed 2 announcement, in this statement below.

Today’s announcement will come as heavy blow to my constituents.

I am deeply disappointed that the Secretary of State has not accepted the well-argued case against the scheme that was made by so many local people and which I supported in my own submission to the public consultation.

I will continue to make representations vigorously on behalf of my constituents to the Secretary of State for Transport and other Ministers.

This is the start of a lengthy process. I have been led to believe that there may be a number of applications to the courts for judicial review of the Secretary of State’s decision. The Department of Transport has said it will now draw up a detailed plan, including a thorough environmental impact assessment on which there will be a public consultation. On present plans, no Bill will even be introduced to Parliament before the Autumn or Winter of 2013.

It’s also necessary, without prejudice to people’s opposition to HS2 as a whole, to argue for mitigation measures and a fair compensation scheme. The fact that the Department has today announced some changes to its original plans including an extension of the tunnel at Wendover shows that it is possible to secure improvements to limit both noise and visual intrusion.

The Secretary of State has said in correspondence to me and repeated today that she will introduce new compensation arrangements and will consult on those arrangements for those affected by HS2 in the spring of this year. As soon as any further details are announced I will communicate these to constituents and would encourage those with strong views to respond to the consultation once it is announced to ensure their voice is heard.

Meanwhile, Aylesbury Vale District Councillor Chris Adams, UKIP, has this afternoon rung Mr Lidington's office demanding that he resign over the issue.