High-speed railway to link Scotland and England; 'make Britain smaller'

The Tories have promised to start work on the £15.8bn project two years earlier if they get into power.

"Labour have betrayed the vision we set out three years ago for High Speed Rail. In leaving out Heathrow and setting out plans that give no firm guarantees north of the Midlands, Labour’s plans are flawed both by lack of ambition" said shadow Transport Secretary, Theresa Villiers.

"Over the next 20 to 30 years the UK will require a step-change in transport capacity and connectivity both to promote and respond to long-term economic growth," Lord Adonis said.

"High speed rail would be by far the most effective way to achieve this step-change, offering a balance of capacity, connectivity and sustainability benefits unmatched by any other option."