David Davis opposes HS2 in vote

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As published in the Hull Daily Mail:

East Yorks: MPs decisively backed legislation enabling the proposed HS2 high-speed rail link between London and the West Midlands to be constructed.

A bid by Tory ex-minister Cheryl Gillan to halt the plan was defeated by 451 votes to 50, a majority of 401.

The only MP in East Yorkshire not to vote in favour of the scheme was Haltemprice and Howden MP David Davis, who abstained.

Speaking ahead of the vote, Hull East MP Karl Turner said: “HS2 will not only improve connections between the North and South, it will also generate many highly-skilled jobs.

“However, we will not give the Government a blank cheque and we will continue to hold the Government to account for keeping costs down and ensuring the taxpayer gets value for money.”

Although MPs’ support for the Bill at second reading means they approve of its general principles, the bill will undergo many more hours of detailed scrutiny.