A £32bn high speed rail line from Birmingham to London will boost jobs, investment and train services in the West Midlands, it was claimed today.

The controversial project aims to transport passengers between Britain’s capital and second city in 49 minutes in trains travelling at up to 225mph.

Transport authority Centro said it would have far-reaching benefits for the West Midlands for generations, bringing in 22,000 jobs and £1.5 bn a year of investment.

And, the benefits of the line, known as HS2, would be felt across the region – not just in and around Birmingham, said its chief executive Geoff Inskip.

He was responding to an independent report commissioned by MPs investigating the pros and cons of the venture.

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