Philip Hammond, Secretary of State for Transport, launched the HS2 consultation today with a speech in Birmingham. The consultation runs until Friday 29th July 2011 and full details are on the Department for Transport HS2 Consultation website. An overview of the process is also given in this HS2 Ltd Newsletter also published today.

Part of the process is a series of ‘roadshows’ along the length of the route, the venues and dates for which are on the consultation website. There is one in Great Missenden on Thursday 12th May, and two in Wendover on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th May.

Protest umbrella group HS2 Action Alliance have issued a statement saying “HS2 Ltd/DfT have launched the HS2 consultation today. We are reviewing the released documents, but currently believe the set to be incomplete, and will advise shortly. We suggest that you do not respond immediately to the questions posed but await the outcome of our reviews.” The Stop HS2 website also has news and reaction to the launch of the consultation.