Activists opposed to HS2 say they are on track to stage the longest tunnel protest in British history – just as the practice is set to be outlawed by the government.

Activists have now spent more than 30 days in tunnels near Swynnerton, having occupied their underground bunkers since 10th May when bailiffs from HS2 moved in to evict their camp.

The protestors say they're dedicated to halting HS2 and they are determined to stay in the tunnels for as long as they can.

It's understood the longest time protestors underground have resisted an eviction is 41 days.

One of the protestors, who asked not to be named, said: "Our protest underground is an attempt to halt both HS2 and this government's dangerous and undemocratic drive to silence those opposed to its self-serving, corporate agenda.

"We are on track for the longest tunnel eviction in British history and we are not going anywhere."

Whilst underground, the protestors do not have access to the internet and are unable to share any images from where they are.

However, campaigners above ground are in communication with them and are able to receive occasional updates on their wellbeing.

They say they are resolute – particularly now they have surpassed the duration of similar evictions in Euston (31 days) and Wendover (29 days).

They dug the tunnels beneath what was known as the Bluebell Woods Protection Camp located in woodland off the A51.

It is the fourth tunnel campaign against HS2, and protestors say it shows little sign of ending soon.

They have built up supplies of food in cans, and they pass their excrement up to the surface where it is removed by HS2 staff.

The bailiffs ensure they are supplied with fresh water and that clean air is pumped into the tunnels – although this has been disputed by the campaigners.

A spokesperson for HS2 Ltd said: "In the interest of the safety of the public, emergency services, HS2 staff and the activists themselves, we urge those who are unlawfully encamped on the Cash's Pit land to obey the High Court Possession Order and leave immediately.

"The construction of HS2 is playing a vital role in Britain's economic recovery from the pandemic, with over 22,000 people already working on the project and tens of thousands of additional jobs supported though our supply chain."

Nancy Livingstone, a spokesperson for the Bluebell Woods Protection Camp, said: "Protestors are not the ones endangering other peoples lives.

"It is the government who is endangering everyone through projects such as HS2 which is destroying lives, livelihoods and threatening all our rights to exist by destroying precious eco-systems.

"It is those in government who are the real criminals, yet it is peaceful protestors who are increasingly being jailed."

This week, it was announced that tunnelling protests would be outlawed.

The government said: "Dangerous tunnelling by protesters will be banned under a new law announced by the Home Secretary today (Tuesday 7th June), as the government acts to end the serious disruption and risk to life this guerrilla protest tactic poses.

"The digging of make-shift tunnels is one of the most dangerous and costly tactics deployed by groups such as Just Stop Oil and protesters against levelling up projects such as HS2.

"The removal operation alone following tunnelling by protesters at Small Dean in Buckinghamshire in 2021 added more than £4 million to the cost of HS2.

"Filled with lethal levels of carbon monoxide and dioxide, these tunnels can become death traps, not just for those inside them and members of the public, but also for those who are required to undertake rescue operations."

A change to the Public Order Bill will make it a criminal offence to cause serious disruption by creating and occupying tunnels, and going equipped to create tunnels will also be criminalised.

The offence will carry a proposed maximum sentence of three years' in prison and an unlimited fine.

Home Secretary, Priti Patel, said: "This country will not be held to ransom by so-called activists unconcerned about putting the lives of others in danger.

"These death traps don't just put lives at risk, they divert precious police resources away from where they are needed most.

"These measures will give our police the powers they need to crack down on this lawlessness and continue to make our streets safer."

A spokesperson for the protestors said: "The Public Order Bill is the government's latest attempt to re-introduce the draconian amendments, that were rejected from the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill by the House of Lords – which will effectively ban protest, and gives the government increasingly authoritarian powers to silence those who speak out against them."

Meanwhile, HS2 was also discussed at Prime Minister's Questions last week.

Tatton MP Esther McVey commented: "The prime minister said you cannot spend your way out of inflation, you cannot tax your way into growth, we will cut the cost of government – I completely agree.

"So can I suggest a strong start: that he scraps the inflated white elephant that is HS2, saving the government tens of billions of pounds from a budget that is spiralling out of control."

Boris Johnson responded by saying the government is cutting taxes and that HS2 will deliver long term growth and prosperity for the whole of the country.

Congleton Climate Action Group have been contacted for comment.

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