Cheryl Gillan: HS2 flies in the face of Conservative values The project is already causing mayhem in our local property market. Many who live within a mile of the proposed route are already struggling to sell their homes. And despite promises from ministers, those who face having the value of their homes decimated are simply not being adequately compensated at the moment. And the benefits? The Department of Transport has so far failed to produce a credible business case for the project. So obsessed are HS2"s architects with cutting a few minutes off journeys between London and Birmingham, they plan no stops between these cities. This means the communities along the line suffer noise and pollution, but do not share the economic benefits. HS2"s £32billion bill would surely be better spent upgrading Britain's existing rail network or investing in high-speed broadband. For any Government to function effectively it is vital and right that Cabinet members remain loyal and maintain collective responsibility. HS2 has not made doing so easy for me. I saw the anxiety HS2 is creating across my constituency week after week. My departure from the Cabinet has changed matters. Now I am liberated and free to say what I think about HS2 - and I certainly will. I have written to Patrick McLoughlin, the new Transport Secretary, urging him to axe HS2. If this project is forced through, it is vital that our beautiful environment is protected in the Chilterns and people are compensated for this blight on their lives, homes and businesses. When I look at the public finances, I wonder how such an expensive project with such a weak business case can survive. I urge the new Transport Secretary to recognise HS2 is not a project to be put on hold - it's one for the dustbin.