A high speed rail line linking London to Birmingham first proposed 13 years ago. The cost back then: £7.1 billion.
Gordon Brown was Prime Minister when the Labour government extended High Speed 2 with spurs to Manchester and Leeds.
But the idea at that stage was already facing widespread opposition amongst Conservatives as the proposed route went through the Chilterns, to the north west of London, where many backbenchers had safe seats.
Nevertheless, when a decision was needed back in 2013, and despite the cost put at £30 billion, David Cameron pressed ahead.
Has Boris got this right on HS2? | The Nigel Farage Show podcast - Listen or read transcript on Metacast
