HS2 protesters secretly dig and occupy a 30-meter tunnel at Euston station | UK News

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More than a dozen environmental activists have occupied a 30m (100ft) tunnel they secretly dug in front of London’s Euston Station in protest against the HS2 rail project.

Protesters have been camping for weeks in Euston Square Gardens, which they claim will be converted into a taxi terminal once the initial phase of the £ 106bn high-speed rail project is completed.

“We have between 13 and 17 protesters in the tunnel and they have enough food and water for several weeks,” one of the HS2 Rebellion group told Sky News.

Undated video snapshot released by HS2 Rebellion of a protester known as 'Larch' in part of a 30-meter network of tunnels secretly dug under Euston Square Gardens in central London, which they claim is at risk from the development of the HS2 line. Issue date: Tuesday, January 26, 2021.
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HS2 Rebellion secretly dug a network of tunnels under Euston Square Gardens in central London. Image: HS2 Rebellion
Undated video recording aired by HS2 Rebellion of a protester known as 'Digger Down' in part of a 30-meter network of tunnels secretly dug beneath Euston Square Gardens in central London, which they claim is at risk from the development of the HS2 line. Issue date: Tuesday, January 26, 2021.
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A protester known as ‘Digger Down’ stands below the 100 foot tunnel network. Image: HS2 Rebellion

Security personnel from a private company surrounded the makeshift camp in central London early this morning when Metropolitan Police officers in harnesses arrived to remove protesters, some of whom had camped overnight in the trees.

A group of around 20 sympathizers who were nearby were dispersed by police officers, citing COVID regulations.

The group said lawyers from the
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The group said lawyers from the “Euston Square Gardens Protection Camp” had written to HS2 “warning them of the illegality of any eviction attempt at this time.”
Protesters camped outside Euston Station

The group said lawyers from the “Euston Square Gardens Protection Camp” had written to HS2 “warning them of the illegality of any eviction attempt at this time.”

HS2 Rebellion claims that the planned HS2 line, which will connect London, the Midlands, the north of England and Scotland, will see 108 ancient forests “destroyed” and “countless people will be driven from their homes and businesses.”

Police and security were called to Euston Station in London after anti-HS2 protesters occupied a 100-foot underground tunnel overnight.
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Police and security were called to Euston Station in London.
HS2 Rebellion protesters in a tree, part of a camp in Euston Square Gardens in central London, where protesters have built a network of 100-foot tunnels, which they are ready to occupy, after claiming the garden is at risk for the development of the HS2 line. Date of photo: Wednesday, January 27, 2021.
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Protesters camped outside Euston Station, in trees

A spokesperson for HS2 Ltd said: “To ensure that HS2 can deliver its main benefits to the UK on time, certain works must be carried out at designated times. HS2 has taken temporary legal possession of Euston Square Gardens East in order to move forward with the works necessary to the construction of the new Euston station.

“These protests are a danger to the safety of protesters, our staff, and the general public, and put unnecessary pressure on emergency services during a pandemic. Protesters are currently trespassing on land that is legally owned by HS2.

“All leading environmental organizations agree that climate change is the biggest future threat to wildlife and habitats in the UK. By providing a cleaner and greener way to travel, HS2 will help reduce the number of cars and trucks on our roads and will reduce the demand for flights and help the country drive the reduction of carbon emissions.

Police officers move to the camp in Euston Square Gardens in central London, where protesters from HS2 Rebellion have built a network of 30-meter tunnels, which they are ready to occupy, after claiming the garden is at risk from the development of the HS2 line. Date of photo: Wednesday, January 27, 2021.
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The police officers move to the camp. Image: HS2 Rebellion
Video capture from an undated brochure issued by HS2 Rebellion of protesters clearing dirt during the construction of a 30-meter network of tunnels secretly dug under Euston Square Gardens in central London, which they claim is at risk from development of the HS2 line. Issue date: Tuesday, January 26, 2021.
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Protesters removed soil during the construction of a 100-foot tunnel network dug. Image: HS2 Rebellion

“HS2 has been endorsed by democratically elected MPs on multiple occasions and the project is playing a critical role in helping Britain’s economic recovery.

“There are already 13,000 people working on the project and we recently announced another 22,000 jobs across the country at a time when you need them most.”

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