We believe in the principles of accountability, transparency, and integrity in public service. As former Deputy and now Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Geoffrey Clifton-Brown holds a position of significant trust and responsibility. However, his tenure has been marked by actions and omissions that undermine the fundamental principles of democratic oversight and accountability.
Under his leadership and that of his predecessor, Meg Hillier, the PAC has continually perpetuated and covered up systemic fraud and corruption involving the HS2 project. The PAC has failed to scrutinize the project effectively, ignored credible evidence of fraud, and allowed misleading and unsubstantiated testimony to dominate hearings. The deliberate refusal to interrogate witnesses critically and the suppression of evidence-backed truth suggest complicity in a broader scheme to obscure the waste, corruption, and financial mismanagement that characterize the HS2 project.
Concerns have also been raised about the improper handling of the development of Euston Station. Evidence highlights potential misconduct involving secret and unauthorized meetings between HS2 representatives and Lend Lease, the company initially awarded the development contract. Allegations of impropriety in this process, combined with the PAC’s apparent failure to address these serious issues, further call into question Mr. Clifton-Brown’s fitness to lead the Committee.
These actions, coupled with the PAC’s repeated endorsement of a project that can only be described as a "Ponzi scheme," have drained public confidence and severely damaged the credibility of the institution he represents. The HS2 project has been exposed as financially unsustainable, with soaring costs, flawed viability assessments, and a lack of transparency around operational expenses and subsidies. Despite these glaring issues, the PAC has allowed misleading narratives of a "reset" to go unchallenged, perpetuating a cycle of escalating costs and diminishing returns.
The ramifications of these failures extend beyond financial mismanagement. They undermine public trust in democratic institutions and exacerbate the economic challenges faced by the United Kingdom. Billions of pounds that could have been allocated to essential services, including defence, policing, healthcare, and education, have instead been funnelled into a failing project.
Because of his dereliction of duty as Chairman and former Deputy Chairman of the PAC, we demand the resignation of Geoffrey Clifton-Brown as MP of North Cotswolds. His resignation is necessary to restore integrity to the Committee’s oversight function and rebuild trust in its ability to act as an impartial guardian of public resources.
The British people deserve better. They deserve leaders and institutions committed to transparency, accountability, and the responsible management of public funds. It is time for Mr. Clifton-Brown to step aside and allow for the reforms necessary to safeguard these values.
Join us in demanding accountability by signing this petition. Together, we can send a clear message that Members of Parliament must act in the best interests of the people they serve.
