The first part of the proposed national High Speed Rail line would connect London and the West Midlands.

This line would provide a huge boost to the region's regeneration prospects, competitiveness and international transport connections, not to mention creating thousands of jobs.

Birmingham city centre alone would see its economy benefit by some £1.23 billion, and the metropolitan area by £2.5bn, through direct journey times alone.

54,000 people a day would be able to travel to the capital from two stations - one in the city centre by Moor Street station and the second by Birmingham International Airport. Journeys to London would take just 50 minutes and 38 minutes from each.

The public sector, finance and business, hospitality and manufacturing would be the main beneficiaries of High Speed Rail. Additional investment and jobs could come from any maintenance and storage facilities for the line based in the region.

The existing rail network would benefit. Services and connections on local lines would be improved whilst pressure on the current inter city network, due to meet capacity in 2020, would be relieved and also opened up to new freight services.