Andrea Leadsom MP disappointed by Locus hearing outcome

Andrea Leadsom MP, Member of Parliament for South Northamptonshire, expressed her disappointment that she and seven other MPs have been denied locus standi through the Lords HS2 Select Committee.
South Northamptonshire MP Andrea Leadsom was appointed Environment Secretary by the new Prime Minister, Theresa MaySouth Northamptonshire MP Andrea Leadsom was appointed Environment Secretary by the new Prime Minister, Theresa May
South Northamptonshire MP Andrea Leadsom was appointed Environment Secretary by the new Prime Minister, Theresa May

Locus standi means is the right to bring an action, to be heard in court, or to address a court or body on a matter before it and to interject challenging opinions.

Ms Leadsom said: “I am disappointed for my constituents that the Lords have not granted any MP locus standi to appear before them. It was the collective position of all eight MPs who petitioned that we felt we could add value to their Lordships’ process, and provide a substantial top-level view across our constituencies of the issues and concerns that are brought to us.

“Whilst I can understand that the Commons process was lengthy, and I pay tribute to all the members of the Commons HS2 Select Committee under the excellent Chairmanship of Robert Syms MP, it allowed for a full consideration of all the issues.

“I am committed to ensuring that I represent my constituents in this matter, and I will continue to work with all stakeholders on the compensation and mitigation schemes. Should any of my constituents, who are directly and specially affected, wish to call me as a witness for their own hearing, I should be most happy to appear before the Lords Select Committee to support them.

“I should like to thank the Rt Hon. Cheryl Gillan MP and Sir Keir Starmer KCB QC MP for their tireless efforts in representing all eight affected MPs before the Lords Select Committee. They did a fantastic job in putting our case before their Lordships and I am grateful for their efforts.”