show ad New threat to HS2 as experts say boost for North 'is a myth': Think tank's warning as more than 20 Tory MPs prepare to rebel in key rail vote * Institute of Economic Affairs questioned value of high-speed line * A new report raises fears that promised economic benefits are 'a myth' -- * Comes at it emerged Treasury Minister has called project 'questionable' * Newly-promoted Andrea Leadsom previously vowed to fight against HS2 author] -- Fresh doubts were voiced last night about Britain’s proposed new high-speed rail line amid warnings that it will not succeed in regenerating the North. A damning report raises fears that promises by David Cameron and other Ministers that High Speed 2 will deliver essential economic benefits are ‘a myth’. It even warns that areas around proposed HS2 stations would be simply ‘Potemkin villages’ - fake regeneration created ‘for political reasons’ using large taxpayer subsidies. The Commons Environmental Audit Committee says more environmental assurances are needed if HS2 is to go ahead. Pictured, a potential HS2 train design The Commons Environmental Audit Committee says more environmental assurances are needed if HS2 is to go ahead. Pictured, a potential HS2 train design The Commons Environmental Audit Committee says more environmental assurances are needed if HS2 is to go ahead. Pictured, a potential HS2 train design The claims - by respected free-market think tank the Institute of Economic Affairs - come after it emerged that new Treasury Minister Andrea Leadsom had called the economic case for HS2 ‘questionable’. More than 20 Tory MPs are set to rebel this week in Commons votes intended to pave the way for the controversial £50 billion project. HS2 is scheduled to provide a 225mph link between London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds by 2030. -- * [article-2601028-1CDE29AD00000578-641_87x84.jpg] Minister's bid to keep HS2 report secret 'is unlawful':... [article-2598529-1737BD30000005DC-87_87x84.jpg] HS2 'may wipe out species of wildlife': £50bn scheme could... -- there is little evidence for the promised major economic benefits. The report, entitled ‘Failure to Transform: High-Speed Rail and the Regeneration Myth’, said similar boasts were made for Britain’s first high-speed line – HS1 in Kent, which cost an estimated £11billion at today’s prices. Dissent: New Treasury Minister Andrea Leadsom has vowed to fight HS2 Dissent: New Treasury Minister Andrea Leadsom has vowed to fight HS2 Dissent: New Treasury Minister Andrea Leadsom has vowed to fight HS2 According to the report, the line failed to revive the East Kent -- It argues that Doncaster had ‘enjoyed a fast rail link’ to London for several decades, with its first 125mph ‘High Speed Train’ service introduced in the late 1970s and electrification of the route completed in 1991. -- the report concludes. It also suggests that any boost to specific areas from having a new HS2 station would be limited. ‘The areas around the HS2 stations will of course be redeveloped if the scheme goes ahead. -- taxpayer subsidies and appropriating property from existing owners.’ The criticisms will be seized on by opponents of HS2 who claim the massive expense and upheaval is not justified. -- ‘bizarre’ and insisted the line would provide a ‘huge economic boost’. A source said: ‘The idea that HS1 hasn’t brought significant benefits is just wrong. ‘Just look at the regeneration around King’s Cross or ask the people of Ashford [the site of a HS1 international station]. ‘And the idea that better transport connections don’t help places to grow and prosper is plain bizarre. ‘HS2 will create 100,000 jobs and provide a huge economic boost to the North and Midlands, which is why city leaders across these regions support it.’ Last year, HS2 Ltd, the publicly owned company overseeing the project, published a major study by consultant KPMG claiming the line could boost the UK economy by as much as £15 billion a year. But last night, Tory MP Andrew Bridgen, who is set to rebel against HS2 in the votes this week, said: ‘This new report confirms what we know – HS2 will not solve the North/South divide.’ Advertisement Share or comment on this article: New threat to HS2 as experts say boost for North 'is a myth': Think tank's warning as more than 20 Tory MPs prepare to rebel in key rail vote