The Cubbington Pear Tree has now been scheduled for removal from the path of HS2 as part of the preparatory works taking place in parallel with the current review of the project. That is not sensible – if HS2 were to be halted or its route substantially revised, the tree may have been lost for no reason, and I have made representations to ministers to that effect. The Pear Tree will not now be removed until the review into HS2’s future is complete. I met with the Transport Minster yesterday, making similar arguments regarding the ancient woodlands and will continue to do so.
