Chancellor Sajid Javid is expected to tell the Prime Minister he supports the controversial HS2 rail link at a meeting today.
A decision on the project will be made shortly, although No 10 said it will not be taken at today’s meeting.
Phase 1 of the rail line between London and Birmingham is due to open at the end of 2026, with the second phase to Leeds and Manchester scheduled for completion by 2032-33.
It is designed to carry trains capable of travelling at 250mph.
A leaked report says the project could cost almost double the £56bn originally allocated in 2015.
