The appointment of a new Prime Minister has prompted renewed unease among Staffordshire county councillors who fear proposals for a high‑speed rail line north of Lichfield could be revived.
Concerns from county leadership
Councillors reacted after Andy Burnham, the former Greater Manchester mayor, took office at 10 Downing Street. Leaders in Stoke‑on‑Trent and across Staffordshire said they shared some priorities with the incoming administration but remain firmly opposed to high‑speed rail where it cuts through the county.
Martin Murray, leader of Staffordshire County Council, said his authority is prepared to co‑operate with the new government on shared goals but rejected HS2 as a benefit to local people.
“We are ready to work with him to deliver our priorities and those of the communities we serve... He is also a keen supporter of high‑speed rail links, something we don’t agree on when it carves through swathes of Staffordshire and brings little tangible benefit to our people.”
Councillors emphasised other issues they intend to press with the Prime Minister and the incoming Greater Manchester mayor, including the funding of SEND services, fairer school funding, increased investment for highways and the future of local government reorganisation.
Local impact and lingering grievances
Opposition figures and landowners’ representatives have long argued the HS2 project has left a legacy of uncertainty for communities affected by proposed lines. Councillor Jeremy Pert described the scheme as offering no benefit to Staffordshire and criticised the length of time residents have faced uncertainty.
“HS2 brings no benefit to Staffordshire – it is a chronic mess. Landowners are still unpaid, communities have lived through 15 or more years of uncertainty about whether they are going to be blighted by this railway line.”
Conservative opposition leader Philip White also warned that Mr Burnham’s support for HS2 was concerning. He argued it was troubling that the new Prime Minister might pursue the project despite financial constraints, while noting areas where the new administration’s priorities could be welcomed locally, such as SEND reform.
What councillors say they will do next
County councillors say they will take the issue directly to ministers and to the new Greater Manchester mayor following the mayoral election on 30 July. They intend to press for clarity on funding, compensation for affected landowners and the local benefits of any renewed proposals.
- Key local concerns: compensation for landowners; long periods of uncertainty for communities; perceived lack of direct benefit to Staffordshire residents.
- Other council priorities: SEND funding, fair school funding, highways investment, and local government reorganisation.
- Next steps: engagement with central government and the incoming Greater Manchester mayor after 30 July.
| Councillor | Position | View on HS2 |
|---|---|---|
| Martin Murray | Leader, Staffordshire County Council | Opposed where it cuts through county |
| Jeremy Pert | County Councillor | Completely against revival |
| Philip White | Conservative group leader | Deeply worrying; concerned about funding |
For residents and landowners affected by HS2 routes in Staffordshire, the council’s statements signal continued political resistance to any attempt to restart or extend the project through the county. Officials say they will continue to press ministers for answers on funding, compensation and tangible local benefits should plans be revisited.
Further updates are expected as councillors meet ministers and after the Greater Manchester mayoral election later this month.
