Debunking Tory Myths

During the Conservative Party conference in Manchester, a significant moment occurred when a prominent Conservative party member was challenged on live television by BBC Newsnight host Victoria Derbyshire regarding several questionable statements made by Cabinet ministers. This incident is set against the backdrop of crucial developments concerning the HS2 railway.

In her conference speech, Science, Innovation, and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan claimed that the Conservative Party was the "party of facts." However, Victoria Derbyshire highlighted three statements made by Cabinet ministers that lacked a factual basis:

• Prime Minister Rishi Sunak asserted that he had eliminated the need to sort rubbish into seven different bins.
• Transport Secretary Mark Harper suggested that local councils could determine how frequently people could visit shops.
• Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho alleged that the Labour Party intended to impose a tax on red meat.

The Confrontation

Victoria Derbyshire questioned Ms. Donelan's assertion, asking how the party could be the "party of facts" when these statements were demonstrably false.

Ms. Donelan defended her party's commitment to facts.

Exposing the Untruths

Victoria Derbyshire refuted the Cabinet ministers' claims, stating that there were no proposals for seven bins, no evidence of councils controlling shopping frequency, and no such tax proposal from the Labour Party. She emphasized the falsehood and disrespect to voters inherent in these statements.

HS2 Railway Announcement

Amidst this controversy, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to confirm that the HS2 railway will not extend to Manchester, reversing a 13-year-old Conservative promise.

The announcement's consequences might include the potential resignation of West Midlands Metro Mayor Andy Street, who is deeply upset by this decision.

The HS2 project has faced ongoing uncertainty, with plans for the Birmingham to Leeds route already canceled in 2021. Now, ministers are considering the removal of the Birmingham to Manchester leg, despite considerable time spent on the issue.

Cabinet Minister Grant Shapps suggested substantial savings by downgrading HS2, sparking discussions about alternative projects that could benefit from these funds.