THEY may have lost the battle but the HS2 campaigners are adamant that the war has not yet been won.
Despite the Government claiming what it called a "decisive" victory in last week's judicial review it has been warned that the fight far from over.
Mr Justice Ouseley did call the compensation consultation "unlawful" and HS2 Ltd will be forced to reconsult over Phase 1 of the route from London to Birmingham.
But he rejected the other nine arguments put forward against HS2, much to the protestors anger and surprise.
The appellants in the case, HS2 Action Alliance, the 51m group of councils, which includes Hillingdon and Heathrow Hub Ltd have all told the Gazette that they will be appealing.
Lottie Jones, of Ruilsip Against HS2, said that far from denting their cause the review had given it a shot in the arm.
She said: "The government have span it as a win but the judge found significant flaws in their case and methodology. This is just the first round, there is a long way to go before this project goes before parliament and a lot more to be uncovered.
"We have already seen pressure groups in the north of the country forming, many have been in touch with us to see how they can get involved.
"The fight is far from over, the government can be sure of that."
Councillor Martin Tett, chairman of 51m and leader of Buckinghamshire County Council and Councillor Ray Puddifoot, vice chairman and leader of Hillingdon Council, in a joint statement, also pledged to fight on.
They said: "We find the court’s reasoning for not supporting our case against the failure to properly consult on the principle of the scheme totally bizarre. The government has argued, and the judge accepted, that the government hasn’t made any decision yet on HS2 – not only on the northern Y route but that it hasn’t even taken a decision to proceed with the London to Birmingham section.
"For all who watched the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and other members of the Cabinet announcing the routes to Manchester and Leeds only a few weeks ago this must feel like some kind of parallel universe. We will obviously appeal this decision as it defies common sense."
