HS2: Challenges against House of Lords petitions

A number of residents and organisations have received letters challenging the right for their petition against the HS2 Hybrid Bill to be heard in the House of Lords.

‘Locus standi’ is the term used to define those who are ‘specially and directly’ affected by the HS2 Hybrid Bill, and are therefore entitled to have their petition heard before the Select Committee.

In the House of Commons, there were few locus standi challenges on petitions against the original Bill, but there have been 414 challenges to petitions in the House of Lords across the route including residents groups, ward councillors and MPs.​

Councillor Sarah Hayward, Leader of Camden Council, said:

"I am appalled that so many of Camden's petitioners have had their locus challenged by the Government. Residents, businesses and organisations located mere metres from the safeguarded area will suffer the greatest impacts in the country during the construction of HS2 and have participated in an archaic hybrid Bill process to ensure that their voices are heard. I hope the Select Committee will recognise the severe impacts Camden's residents and businesses face and dismiss the challenges against them."

More information

If your locus standi has been challenged, you will have received a Notice of Objection letter specifying the grounds under which your petition has been challenged. You will be invited to a hearing at the beginning of Select Committee proceedings where you will need to present your case. The Select Committee will then decide whether or not your petition can be heard. Read more about locus standi on our HS2 pages.

Camden Council cannot offer legal advice but we can try to answer questions and discuss issues. Please contact us at [email protected] if your locus standi has been challenged and you think we can help.