Haters of HS2 rejoice: the project has an even better chance of failing now. Following James’ revelation that the Transport Secretary doesn’t believe the Hybrid Bill will pass through Parliament before the next election, there are several scenarios on how the parties may change their stance on the project. If a cross-party consensus falls apart, HS2 will run into severe difficulties. Nearly all of the possibilities pose a threat to the line actually being built:
1. David Cameron remains Prime Minister
James played out this scenario in his blog yesterday, explaining why it matters that HS2 will be a big issue at the next general election. HS2 has always been a difficult sell to Tory MPs and the wider party, not withstanding the pressure following months of campaigning from Stop HS2, Ukip, the Countryside Alliance and anyone else who is against the line.
MPs from constituencies affected by the line will pile pressure onto Cameron to review the project if the Conservatives only return as the largest party rather than a majority government, as they will read the election result as a sign that HS2 is damaging the Tories.
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