Conservatives 'refuse preview of high-speed rail proposals'

Date: 19/2/2010

The Conservative party has turned down an offer to look at government proposals for a high-speed railway line before they are printed next month.

Shadow transport secretary Theresa Villiers stated the party did not want the report to close down options.

"This is one of the most important decisions we will be making on our transport infrastructure for the next 20 years," she told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

It is thought the party is wary of being pressured into endorsing the government's proposed route.

The plans could upset communities along the route, which cuts through areas such as Buckinghamshire and the West Midlands.

The Conservative party will now see the proposals when they are released to the public.

"We don't want there to be some cosy deal reached behind closed doors which closes out the communities which might be affected by the route," Ms Villiers added.

Transport secretary Lord Adonis stated he was surprised at Ms Villers' comments.