The controversial HS2 high-speed railway line will provide Britain's transport system with a 'heart bypass', Patrick McLoughlin said today.
The Transport Secretary said the UK's transport system was nearly at capacity, telling the party faithful in Manchester that the new line linking London to the North would have the same effect as a 12-lane motorway.
He told the conference that he was confident it could be delivered on time and within its budget.
Mr McLoughlin said: "The reason we need this new line is that is an essential heart bypass for the clogged arteries of our transport system. The current rail system is almost full and we just haven't got the space that we need for the future."
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