The High Speed Rail project – HS2 – passed its second reading in the House of Commons last night as 452 MPs voted in favour, claiming a majority of 411 over 41 who voted against the £46.2bn rail link between London, the Midlands and the north of England.
Transport Minister Robert Goodwill said it was an “important step” in taking the controversial project forward, highlighting the need for HS2 and the importance in getting it right.
The bill, which is not expected to become law until after the 2015 general election, will only then provide the necessary powers to construct and operate phase one of HS2, between London and the West Midlands with construction proposed to begin in 2017 and due to be operational by 2026.
A separate bill will be brought in later by the government for the second phase of HS2 to Manchester and Leeds.
For more information visit HS2