PM Boris Johnson continues to test his...........>

UK: PM Boris Johnson continues to test his goodwill with Conservative MPs today.

- Following the divisive announcement that Chinese telecoms giant Huawei would

be allowed to contribute to the construction of the UK's 5G infrastructure,

despite security concerns raised by a number of Con MPs, today the gov't is

holding a crunch meeting regarding its continued support for the construction of

the HS2 high-speed rail line from London to Birmingham. 

- The project engenders criticism from three bands of Con MPs. The first argue

against the spiralling costs of the line (estimated at Stg.88bn by the FT), the

second oppose HS2 because it is planned to be constructed through their seats to

the detriment of residents, and the third, who state money should go on other

rail infrastructure across the north rather than a south-north link. 

- Transport Sec. Grant Shapps today promised a gov't announcement in Feb on HS2.

Should it come to a vote in the Commons, HS2 will likely pass given the gov'ts

large majority and some support from Labour MPs.

- PM still in 'honeymoon phase' after election, and could frontload next few

months with controversial policies for his own MPs.