Alex is youngest ever to petition MPs

Alex Rukin appeared before the HS2 Select Committee at 2pm on January 12 when he urged MP to call for changes to the proposed London to Birmingham route.

The 9-year-old who has also starred in a video letting people know how to petition for change, is the son of Joe Rukin, campaign manager for Stop HS2 who spoke alongside his enthusiastic son.

Describing Parliament as “a lot like Hogwarts”, Alex raised issues including noise and loss of woodland where he would like to ride his bike to school.

Speaking to MPs, he said: “I am really worried that I won’t be able to sleep when HS2 is going past my bedroom window.”

He also said that once he starts secondary school he would like to use the Greenway to cycle with his friends, but that diversion and closures during line construction could seriously affect the outdoor space.

Raising points of traffic and delays during years of construction he said: “I have to travel from my mum’s house to my dad’s house and I am not looking forward to HS2 being built because it will make the roads messed up.

“It will also make it difficult for me to get to tennis as three of the roads will be closed.”

Kenilworth Town Council, Golf Club and residents will all have their say before the independent group of MPs up until Wednesday.

The committee has the authority to call for changes to the proposed route as well as improved mitigation measures and individual compensation packages. Burton Green villagers had their say last week where they made a case for a deep bore tunnel to prevent houses having to be sold or demolished.

Cubbington, Offchurch and Stoneleigh resident will appear next, starting next week.

It is not known when the decision of the committee will be made known but residents hope for some answers before the General Election in May as the Hybrid Bill continues its progression through Parliament.

Watch the sessions live here