Tory divisions deepen ahead of HS2 decision
Tory divisions have opened up over the future of HS2, as Sajid Javid gave his backing to the controversial project.
The Chancellor threw his weight behind HS2 following a crunch meeting with Boris Johnson and Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, who are expected to formally announce the Government's support for the line in the coming weeks.
Mr Javid is understood to "broadly back" the project which is set to bust its budget by more than £50 billion and has already prompted deep divisions among Conservatives in the Black Country and Staffordshire.
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street has spent months urging the region's MPs to get behind the line, insisting that it must be built in full in order for the region to prosper.
However, his appeal has fallen on deaf ears in some quarters, with concerns raised over its spiralling costs and damage to the environment and people's homes.
Lichfield MP Michael Fabricant, a close friend of Mr Street's, said it was "utterly mad" that Mr Johnson was planning to give the project the green light.
"HS2 neither connects with HS1 and the Channel Tunnel nor Heathrow, or Birmingham New Street, the main rail interchange," he said.
"In years to come people will ask how anyone could sanction such a disconnected rail line."
Stone MP Sir Bill Cash is vehemently against HS2, describing it as an "abomination" which was already causing "havoc" in his constituency.
Stafford MP Theo Clarke has previously met with Mr Shapps to raise concerns that her constituents were being adversely affected by the current HS2 proposals.
Stourbridge MP Suzanne Webb said it was her "gut feeling" that the project should go ahead, but warned that a close eye must be kept on its costs.
"In a previous life, as someone who used to audit large infrastructure projects, we need to ensure the project is accompanied at every stage by an audit team, and risk assessed before it becomes an issue and scope creep," she said.
Walsall North MP Eddie Hughes is backing the project, saying: "Continuing with HS2 will help address regional disparities in transport investment."
The rising budget of HS2 is considered the project's main stumbling block, with Mr Javid has ordered ministers to identify cuts in their departments so the government is free to plough funds into manifesto pledges on improving the NHS, education and policing.
Mr Shapps recently told the Express & Star that the West Midlands would prosper without HS2. He said a final decision on the project would be made "next month".
