Fact Check: Over £100 million outrage: HS2 bat structure costs skyrocket!
What We Know
The claim that HS2 is spending over £100 million on a structure to protect bats has been confirmed by multiple sources. The chairman of HS2, Sir John Thompson, stated that the project is allocating this significant amount for a shield designed to protect bats in ancient woodlands in Buckinghamshire (BBC). This initiative is part of a broader requirement to secure 8,276 consents from various public bodies, reflecting the complexity and regulatory challenges associated with large infrastructure projects in the UK.
The structure is intended to protect Bechstein's bats, which are among the rarest bat species in the world. According to Oliver Harmar, chief operating officer at Natural England, the need for such measures arises from a pressing nature crisis, with one in six species in the UK facing extinction (BBC). The costs associated with the bat shield have reportedly escalated due to various factors, including planning complications and the need to accommodate future rail services, which led to the structure's size doubling over time (BBC).
Analysis
The assertion that HS2 is spending over £100 million on bat protection is accurate and supported by credible sources. The BBC article provides a detailed account of the costs and the rationale behind them, highlighting the legal obligations that HS2 must meet to protect endangered species (BBC). Additionally, the costs have been corroborated by other reports, including a recent breakdown from the Department for Transport, which indicated that the bat mitigation structure costs remain around £95 million to £100 million (Rail Magazine).
Critics, including transport secretary Louise Haigh, have described these costs as a "shocking example" of inefficiency within the HS2 project, which is projected to cost £66 billion in total (BBC). This sentiment is echoed by Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, who criticized the need for so many separate consents, suggesting that the process is overly complicated and inefficient (BBC).
However, it is essential to recognize that the costs are not merely a reflection of inefficiency but also of the stringent environmental regulations in place to protect vulnerable wildlife. The involvement of Natural England and the requirement for extensive consultations indicate a commitment to sustainable development, albeit at a high financial cost (BBC).
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that HS2 is spending over £100 million on a bat protection structure is accurate. The costs are a result of necessary environmental protections mandated by law, reflecting the complexities of balancing infrastructure development with wildlife conservation. While the high price tag has drawn criticism, it underscores the importance of adhering to environmental regulations in major infrastructure projects.
