More than 30 Conservative MPs have rebelled against the government over the HS2 rail line, as the £50bn scheme edged closer to become a reality.
A wrecking amendment to the legislation for the project put forward by former Cabinet minister and rebel ringleader Cheryl Gillan was defeated 451 to 50.
A total of 32 Tory MPs backed the amendment.
In the vote on the bill itself there was a comfortable victory for the government, by 452 votes to 41, a majority of 411.
Any serious threats to the bill's progress disappeared when Labour indicated it would support the legislation.
Speaking after the vote, Mrs Gillan said: "This is a large number of MPs unconvinced that HS2 is the solution to our country's infrastructure problems.
"Government should realise that this project will be closely scrutinised every step of the way.
"Many colleagues also abstained this evening which shows that the scepticism of this project runs much more deeply than the voting figures suggest."
Michael Fabricant, a Conservative MP and former Government whip, has previously told Sky News up to 100 of his colleagues have "really serious doubts" about the project .
A number of MPs who are against HS2 were thought to have stayed away.
Foreign Office Minister David Lidington is in Estonia, Treasury Minister Andrea Leadsom was called to a meeting in Brussels and Attorney General Dominic Grieve had ministerial engagements in Newcastle.
Mr Lidington has threatened to resign if there is not sufficient mitigation for his Aylesbury constituency.
The line has also split opinion among environmental and business groups .
Speaking after the vote, Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: "HS2 is a once in a generation opportunity to create jobs and develop skills, provide the extra space we need on our rail network for commuters and freight and better connect our biggest cities.
"I am aware of the concerns some who live very close to the HS2 route have.
"I am confident however that by working together we can ensure this vital new north-south railway is designed in the right way, and we will have spades in the ground in 2017 as planned."
Shadow transport secretary Mary Creagh said: "High Speed 2 will cut congestion on the railways, better connect our cities and help deliver a one-nation economic recovery which is why Labour is supporting this Bill tonight."
The bill will now be examined by a special select committee of MPs which will hear petitions from people who will be directly affected.
If the political hurdles and opposition are surmounted, construction of the 250mph London-West Midland stage of the line could begin around 2017 and be opened by 2026.
The second phase to Manchester and Leeds may be completed by 2032.
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/more-40-mps-oppose-50bn-hs2-scheme-224845138.html
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