Patrick McLoughlin: HS2 will provide vital capacity

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has hit back at recent criticism of the HS2 rail project, as a report suggested it could boost the UK economy by £15bn a year.

The study, commissioned by the company responsible for developing and promoting the project, also said most of HS2's benefits would be felt in the regions and not the capital.

During a speech in London, Mr McLoughlin argued that HS2 was necessary because the "clogged arteries" of the nation's transport system needed a "heart bypass".