More than 500 campaigners have gathered at a convention in Stoneleigh Park in the UK to protest the planned high-speed rail line (HS2) ahead of the Government’s consultation process.

According to the protest group, Stop HS2, the £33bn high-speed rail link that would cut journey times between London and Birmingham, is not environmentally and economically sound.

They state that ’the business case is based on unrealistic assumptions and the environmental impact has not been assessed, is not green, the strategic benefits have not been assessed and the money could be better spent on other things.

A six-month consultation process is expected to start next month.

The line would run between Euston station in central London and terminate at a new station at Curzon Street/Fazeley Street in Birmingham’s Eastside regeneration area. HS2 would join the West Coast Main Line near Lichfield.