High-speed rail link would bring 'clear economic benefits'
Ministers are "considering very seriously" building a controversial new high-speed rail line between London and Birmingham, the BBC understands.
A source said a Network Rail review of the two main alternatives favoured by opponents concluded they could not "generate the capacity" needed.
Shadow transport minister John Woodcock supports the project, claiming it could "redraw the economic geography of the UK".
However, speaking to the BBC, he strongly urged the government "to do the right thing" and legislate the route to go further north straight away - not by 2033 as expected.
07 Jan 2012
- From the section UK