Chancellor declares support for HS2

The Chancellor Sajid Javid has hinted he will swing his support behind the controversial HS2 high speed rail project – ahead of a key meeting with Boris Johnson and the Transport Secretary this evening.

But backbench Tory opposition to the scheme is growing – amid soaring costs and yet more delays – as well as concerns about the environmental impact.

The government won’t make a formal announcement about its future until next week.