Defiant Pendle MP slams Extinction Rebellion protesters and defends HS2

Mr Stephenson, who in his capacity as Minister of State at the Department for Transport, is responsible for the huge rail project which has attracted anger from environmental groups.

The Pendle branch of Extinction Rebellion recently held a peaceful demonstration outside Mr Stephenson's Barnoldswick office over the multi billion pound scheme which they say is responsible for the destruction fo 100 ancient forests.

But a defiant Mr Stephenson accused the group of flouting coronavirus restrictions and said he actually believes the project will benefit climate change.

The Tory MP said: "I am disappointed that members of Extinction Rebellion, many wearing single use plastic facemasks, flouted Tier 3 restrictions to campaign against investing in public transport.

"The much-criticised group, who carried out a profoundly disrespectful protest at Cenotaph on Remembrance Day, seem determined to do everything they can to undermine the efforts of those of us who care passionately about the environment.

"I will be responding to their wildly inaccurate claims and lies in due course. Nothing will stop this government in our determination to both tackle the climate emergency and level up our country."