WORK on the new £50billion high-speed rail network will begin as planned in 2017 after Tory rebels failed to stop the plan in its tracks.
HS2 is set to go ahead in 2017 as planned[AP/PA]The controversial HS2 link will go ahead after an amendment to wreck the project was defeated last night by 451 votes to 50.
The Government’s flagship scheme from London to Birmingham cuts through swathes of Tory heartlands around The Chilterns.
Last night 33 Conservative MPs voted against the government but their bid to halt the scheme was roundly defeated and will go ahead as planned.
The amendment was proposed by former Cabinet minister Cheryl Gillan who said after the vote there were still a “large number of MPs unconvinced that HS2 is the solution to our country's infrastructure problems.
"The Government should realise that this project will be closely scrutinised every step of the way.”
Today Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin hailed the project, saying: “HS2 is a once in a generation opportunity to create jobs and develop skills, provide the extra space we need on our rail network for commuters and freight and better connect our biggest cities.
"I am aware of the concerns some who live very close to the HS2 route have.
"I am confident however that by working together we can ensure this vital new north-south railway is designed in the right way, and we will have spades in the ground in 2017 as planned."
David Cameron was criticised for missing the vote [PA]We will have spades in the ground in 2017 as planned
The first stage of the scheme will link London and Birminghanm, while later extensions will take the route north to Leeds and Manchester.
Shadow transport secretary Mary Creagh joined those endorsements for the plan, saying: “HS2 will cut congestion on the railways, better connect our cities and help deliver a one-nation economic recovery.”
But earlier, Europe minister David Lidington threatened to quit his Foreign Office post unless his constituency of Aylesbury, Bucks, is guaranteed help in dealing with the impact of the link.
Mr Lidington, on an official trip to Estonia, said: “I have decided to abstain – but given there is a massive cross-party majority in favour of this scheme, can we get the generous and fair mitigation that the local area deserves?
“I will resign at a later stage of the bill if they don’t get mitigation – and that, for me, includes a Chilterns’ tunnel.”
A total of 47 MPs missed the vote, including Prime Minister David Cameron – a move dubbed "extraordinary" by Ms Creagh.
She said: "It is extraordinary that David Cameron couldn't be bothered to turn up to vote.
"Once again, the Prime Minister has shown he is the weak leader of a divided party.
"He is unable to stand up to rebel ministers opposed to HS2 and unwilling to vote in favour of his own Government's biggest infrastructure project."
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