Tory MPs want to put halt to £100billion HS2 high-speed rail network to save money for Brexit
The HS2 could be delayed for years due to Brexit which could send the cost soaring
TORY MPs are demanding a halt to the £100billion high-speed rail network – to save money for Brexit.
They have persuaded Theresa May to abandon plans to build a line linking London with Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds.
Many fear that work on HS2 will be delayed by years following our decision to leave the EU, sending the overall cost soaring.
And they want the government to cut its losses by pulling the plug before building the first phase.
Downing Street’s policy unit is actively considering a pause to the project being included in the Conservatives’ election manifesto.
About £3billion has been invested in the first section from London to Birmingham – and it is feared the cost of the whole project will top £100billion.
Tory MP Andrew Bridgen said: “The election gives us a great opportunity to kill this expensive project.
“It is one of the few things less popular that Jeremy Corbyn. And it’s a white elephant that keeps growing bigger.
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“It is clear that with Brexit will slow down the whole project – which will mean the overall cost ballooning.
“It would be better to write off a small sum now than to see HS2 continue to soar in price until it hits eye-watering levels.
Former minister Cheryl Gillan said: “This is a golden opportunity for a new government to suspend the project and conduct an independent cost analysis.
“HS2 is going nowhere until we have phase 2A and 2B approved – and with all the Brexit legislation going through Parliament, I suspect that will take some time.”
A government source said last night: “It is being discussed but it is by no means a done deal.”