Parliamentary candidates for Hampstead and Kilburn give the Ham&High readers their views on MPs voting in favour of the High Speed 2 rail link.

Tulip Siddiq (Labour) – Against

As a Camden councillor, I have been fighting against every stage of this ill-conceived and harmful scheme since its inception. My focus will now continue to be on working with local residents, community groups and businesses to petition against individual details of the next phase of the bill and minimise HS2’s impact on our community.

Simon Marcus (Conservative) – Against

I am disappointed with the way Parliament voted. Not enough MPs listened to local people. Most realise we need much-improved rail links, but there is a better way than this. There is still hope to get proper compensation for those affected by HS2 and I will continue to work for this.

Maajid Nawaz (Liberal Democrat) – Against

This week’s vote on HS2 is a real blow for all of us who live in Camden and now face decades of disruption. Lib Dems were the first to start the public campaign and our councillors are working incredibly hard to make sure there is no let-up in getting residents’ concerns addressed. I myself have fought tough battles before as a campaigner on many issues and in Parliament I will be continuing the fight against HS2’s blight on our area.

Natalie Bennett (Green) – Against

(The Green Party has yet to select its candidate for Hampstead and Kilburn: Natalie Bennett is leader of the party.)

It is essential we go on making the point that HS2 isn’t just bad for Camden, it’s a very bad use of a huge amount of public money that could be far better spent on properly planned and thought-through transport options, starting with walking, cycling and going on to local buses and local and regional train services.