Tory MPs find an issue to fight over

Ever since Boris Johnson won a majority of 80 in the December snap election, the Conservative benches have been a place of unity and happiness. It’s far removed from the past year of infighting and blue on blue attacks. However, today cracks began to emerge as an issue came to the fore which divides Conservative opinion: HS2.

A leaked copy of the HS2 report the government commissioned has made its way to the Financial Times. The report cautiously paves the way for the project to be green lit when the review ends. However, it also carries numerous warnings about the spiralling costs of the project and raises questions over the value the second stage of the infrastructure would offer. The review – as published today – is suitably on the fence that it leaves the government with space to pick either side – yes or no.