The proposed high speed rail link between London, Birmingham and ultimately Leeds has failed to impress Shipley MP Philip Davies who has voted against the plan.

Backers of the controversial multi-billion pound HS2 scheme claim it will promote economic growth in the North.

Speaking after the vote, the Tory MP explained why he has not supported his party’s policy.

“I think it is a catastrophic waste of money which would be better spent tackling local infrastructure and congestion schemes.

“Dealing with problems at Saltaire or getting a Shipley Eastern Bypass would do more to improve the economy in my constituency than HS2 could.”