Tory parliamentary candidate Simon Marcus launches ‘Yes/No’ referendum on HS2

The Conservative parliamentary candidate for Hampstead and Kilburn has launched a referendum on HS2 asking every resident in the constituency for a “Yes/No” vote on the controversial project.

Hampstead councillor Simon Marcus has ordered ballot papers to be delivered to the homes of all 78,000 residents in the constituency with a freepost return envelope.

Cllr Marcus, who will be taking on Labour councillor Tulip Siddiq and Lib Dem candidate Maajid Nawaz in next year’s general election, said: “Across the area HS2 construction work will cause gridlock, damage local business, reduce property values, add to air and noise pollution and our quality of life will suffer for 10 years.

“Many feel there has been no proper consultation, they have had no choice and their community is at risk. Now, for the first time in a parliamentary constituency, voters are being given the opportunity to have their say on HS2 in its current form.

“A local referendum is stronger than a petition. It is bound by constituency lines and directed at a local, decision-making representative, an MP.

“Local referendums are good for democracy. People get the chance to vote on an important issue, across party lines, and send a clear message: ‘Listen to us or you could pay the price.’

“The more people that vote, the louder our voice will be and the better deal we can get for local people.”