HS2 rail project: Alistair Darling criticism sparks row

Government ministers have been forced to defend the HS2 rail project again, after a former chancellor branded it a potential "nightmare".

Alistair Darling, who approved the link when in office, warned that the spiralling cost of the project risked cutting funding to improve other parts of the rail network.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin insisted that investment in rail infrastructure would continue, and that HS2 was vital to tackle a freight and passenger capacity shortage.

Vicki Young reports.