Cameron faces rebellion on HS2 rail link

Senior Tories will lead efforts to block HS2 in the House of Commons, amid reports that between 30 and 40 Conservatives will make a stand against the controversial project.

Former Conservative vice-chairman Michael Fabricant and former Cabinet minister Cheryl Gillan have tabled separate amendments designed to derail the High Speed Rail (London-West Midlands) Bill, warning the line would cause major environmental damage and not produce the economic benefits claimed.

The principles of the first phase of HS2 from London to the West Midlands are expected to be debated until around 11pm in the Commons today, despite Speaker John Bercow previously signalling he would be willing to sit until the early hours.

Up to four hours will also be scheduled tomorrow to debate processes connected to the Hybrid Bill, which allows opponents to submit petitions and certain individuals and groups can state their case before a select committee.

Mr Fabricant (Lichfield) claimed yesterday he knew between 80 to 100 of his fellow MPs have “really serious doubts” about HS2.

But he added several of them were reluctant to “use up our stocks” with the party’s enforcers when the project is expected to clear its second reading thanks to support from Labour.

Mr Fabricant, supported by former Cabinet minister Caroline Spelman and ex-minister Sir Edward Leigh among others, wants the coalition to bring forward a cheaper and more environmentally “sympathetic” route.

Former Wales Secretary Mrs Gillan (Chesham and Amersham) has tabled a cross-party amendment to block the Bill and vowed to vote against the second reading.

Mrs Gillan’s objection, which has the support of Labour former ministers Frank Dobson and Kate Hoey, argues that attempts to justify the benefits of HS2 had been “repeatedly unconvincing and still fail to demonstrate a sound economic case for the proposed works”.

The MPs say there has been “inadequate opportunity” for those affected by the High Speed Rail Bill to examine all the evidence and condemned Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin for refusing to release the Major Projects Authority (MPA) report.

Mrs Gillan told the Press Association: “There is no doubt that with all three parties whipped to support HS2, there is no chance to stop it.

“But I have to register opposition on behalf of the many people who do not want this project.

“I will have some colleagues with me - I’m sure a lot of people will be pressured to abstain. I don’t expect any ministerial colleagues to vote against the Bill - and neither should they, I want to have people inside the tent as well as outside.”

Mrs Gillan said she was disappointed the Government had not listened to demands to allow an open ended debate, instead curtailing discussion at 11pm.

“We may have as little as 10 minutes to put across our arguments,” she said. “For a government that wants to be transparent and bring people along with them, the right thing would be to allow a full debate.

“This is rubbish.”

A “stop HS2” demonstration is set to be held outside Parliament today.

And the Institute of Economic Affairs has also published research today which claims there are “numerous reasons to be sceptical” of the Government’s assertions that the new line would boost employment and address the North-South divide.

The think-tank cited east Kent as an area where the impact of high-speed rail appeared to have been “too small to counteract other more important economic factors”.

Construction of the first stage of the HS2 project, linking London to Birmingham, is proposed to begin in 2017, with the second phase of the scheme then going north to Manchester and Leeds.

The full HS2 link between London, the Midlands and the North of England is expected to cost £42.6 billion, which includes contingencies, with £7.5 billion for the trains.

Downing Street said the “usual whipping arrangements will be in place” - meaning ministers would be expected to vote in favour.

Several with constituencies affected by the proposed line are reported to be missing the vote as they will be overseas, however.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman defended the absence of Europe Minister David Lidington as he was “taking part in government business” in Estonia.

He was unable to confirm whether or not David Cameron would vote.

Mr Cameron said he expected a big Commons majority in favour of the Bill.

“Let’s be clear on why we are doing it - the West Coast mainline is full, the capacity has run out,” he said during a visit to a JobCentrePlus in Colchester, Essex.

“So we have a choice as a country: do we build another standard railway line or do we build a high-speed railway line that can massively add to the capacity of our country, help end the north-south divide, and help make sure all our country shares in future prosperity.

“I think it is right for Britain to get on board the high-speed rail revolution and I expect the House of Commons to endorse it in a big vote tonight.”