MPs’ vote backs HS2

MPs have voted by an overwhelming majority to implement legislation clearing the way for the progress of the HS2 high speed rail link.
 
Despite opposition from both Labour and Conservative MPs, the Commons agreed by a vote of 350 to 34 to enforce legislation as part of the High Speed Rail (Preparation) Bill. The Bill now moves to the House of Lords.
 
The agreement releases funds for the government to pay for land surveys in relation to the work, buy up land needed for the route and to top up a pot which can be used to compensate people affected by the project.
 
The decision moves the £50bn project a step closer but it will still be a long time before the line is operational. The legislation, comprising two draft Bills, was first proposed in May during the Queen’s Speech.
 
The first, the High Speed Rail (Preparation) Bill, grants the government authority to spend any funds necessary to build the new rail link between London and Birmingham, before the second phase extends the route up to Manchester and Leeds.
 
The government needed this Bill to be passed before it was in a position to implement the second phase of legislation outlined in the High Speed Two Hybrid Bill. This bill grants the government the legal power to compulsorily purchase the land needed for the route.
 
A report by KPMG in September concluded that the route could be worth around £15bn a year to the UK economy, which if it transpires will mean the line could  pay for itself within four years of being operational – even if the project cost rises to £60bn.