HS2 bill passed in Commons
A controversial bill over HS2 was tonight given the go-ahead - despite being opposed by 37 MPs, many of them believed to be Tory backbenchers.
The vote came as it emerged the cost of the controversial rail line - which passes through parts of Staffordshire - had risen to £42.6billion.
Ministers had brought their High Speed Rail (Preparation) Bill to the House of Commons for a second reading. The Bill allows for the Government to spend money planning the route in detail and buying up property from residents and businesses along the route.
But Tory backbencher Cheryl Gillan tabled an amendment to the Bill calling on the legislation to be scrapped. Her amendment was defeated by 325 votes to 37, Government majority 288.
But many of the MPs who voted against the Government are thought to be Tory rebels, angry at the planned route running through their constituencies.
Earlier today transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin revealed the budget has increased by £10bn.
It was originally set at around £33bn, with the trains expected to cost a further £8bn.
Campaigners against the rail line, which will link London, Birmingham and Manchester, said the Government was writing a 'blank cheque' for the scheme.
