Fact Check: "Former HS2 chair predicted bat structure costs would exceed £100 million!"
What We Know
The claim revolves around a statement made by Sir Jon Thompson, the chairman of HS2 Ltd, regarding the costs associated with a special barrier designed to protect rare bats in Buckinghamshire. At a rail industry conference, Sir Jon stated that the cost of this barrier, referred to as a "bat shed," would exceed £100 million. This structure is intended to cover tracks alongside Sheephouse Wood to prevent disturbances to the bats, which are legally protected in the UK (BBC).
The barrier is approximately 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) long and was described by Sir Jon as costing more than £100 million, emphasizing the complexity and regulatory challenges faced by HS2 Ltd in completing major infrastructure projects (BBC). He noted that while there was "no evidence that high-speed trains interfere with bats," the costs were driven by the need to comply with environmental regulations and obtain numerous consents from public bodies (BBC).
Analysis
The assertion that the costs for the bat protection structure would exceed £100 million is supported by multiple sources. Sir Jon Thompson's statements at the conference provide direct evidence of this claim, as he explicitly mentioned the cost during his address. The context surrounding this claim includes the complexities of environmental regulations and the necessity of obtaining numerous consents—over 8,000—before proceeding with construction (BBC).
However, it is important to consider the reliability of the sources. The primary sources of this information are reputable news outlets, such as the BBC and The Guardian, which have covered the HS2 project extensively and include direct quotes from officials involved in the project. The BBC article provides a detailed account of the situation, including the environmental considerations and the local council's stance on the costs, which adds credibility to the claim. The Guardian also corroborates the cost figure and highlights the ongoing discussions about the project's financial implications (The Guardian).
While some skepticism exists regarding the necessity and scale of the costs—expressed by local officials and environmentalists—there is no evidence to dispute the claim that the costs are projected to exceed £100 million. The discussions around the costs reflect broader concerns about infrastructure spending and environmental protection, but they do not negate the factual basis of the original claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the former HS2 chair predicted that bat structure costs would exceed £100 million is supported by direct statements from Sir Jon Thompson and corroborated by multiple reputable sources. The complexity of environmental regulations and the necessity for extensive consents contribute to the high costs associated with the project, which aligns with the figures presented.
