Half (50%) of MPs say they support the current plans for the first phase of HS2 while 32% oppose them; again there is little difference between the parties: 53% of Conservative MPs, 54% of Liberal Democrats and 46% of Labour MPs.
There is also some support for the idea of redirecting some of the funds earmarked for HS2 into reinforcing the UK's flood defences and other infrastructure. Three in ten (29%) support the moving of funds towards flood defences while 57% oppose it.
More popular is the redirecting of some of the HS2 money into expanding existing capacity, 44% support this while 39% oppaose it. Support for redirecting funds into existing capacity is higher among Labour MPs (54%) than Conservatives (36%).
Andrew Hawkins, ComRes Chairman said: "Despite the whipped vote tonight, our poll reveals the true extent of unease among MPs of all parties towards HS2. Given the level of opposition among his own backbenchers this threatens to be another blow to the Prime Minister's standing within Parliament."
Q: If a vote on the first phase of HS2 (London to West Midlands) were held today, would you be inclined to support or oppose each of the following?
| Statement | Support | Oppose | Don't know | Not stated |
| The first phase to go ahead as has been outlined | 50% | 32% | 16% | 1% |
The complete scrapping of HS2 and a return to the drawing board in terms of
planning for increased rail capacity and new rail services
| 30% | 53% | 14% | 3% |
| Postponement of HS2 Phase 1 for the time being | 31% | 51% | 15% | 3% |
| Redirecting some of the funds earmarked for HS2 into expanding existing capacity | 44% | 39% | 14% | 4% |
Redirecting some of the funds earmarked for HS2 into reinforcing the UK's flood
defences and other infrastructure
| 29% | 57% | 11% | 2% |
