The chairman of the high-speed HS2 project has urged ministers to speed up construction work.

Sir David Higgins made the request in his new report, claiming fast-tracking the building of the northern phase would significantly reduce costs. Under current proposals, this second stage of the scheme, which will run to the north-east and north-west, is due to be completed by by 2032/33.

However, the study suggested both sections of the project should be constructed at the same time. This could result in the northern part of the network being completed by 2027, a full six years earlier than planned.

This view appeared to be shared by the business secretary Vince Cable, who stated doing this "would ensure the economic benefits can be shared sooner by everyone around the country and [the plan] deserves serious consideration by the government".

Meanwhile the report also suggested completely redeveloping the flagship Euston station, with Sir David labelling its current state as 'a mess'. Additionally, he called for proposals to link up the new network with the existing HS1 Channel Tunnel service to be reconsidered.