Improved rail capacity 'will benefit growth'

One of the key benefits the country will be able to enjoy as a result of the government's High Speed Two (HS2) initiative is improved rail capacity.

This is according to director-general of the British Chambers of Commerce John Longworth, who warned the result of not going through with these plans would be very damaging.

He explained overcrowding in carriages is likely to get worse, in addition to delays becoming more commonplace and fares rising.

Swift implementation to turn these proposals into legislation was called for by Mr Longworth, in addition to further action.

"This announcement must be complemented by commitments to detail the route of the high-speed network to the north of England and Scotland to improve conventional rail services," he remarked.

Official support for the new rail internships could be seen as one such measure, as universities and science minister David Willets recently claimed these will give graduates an excellent opportunity to learn practical workplace skills.