Transport secretary of state Patrick McLoughlin has defended HS2, claiming it will be beneficial for all regions affected.

In a speech to the Institute of Civil Engineers, Mr McLoughlin claimed the project will deliver more trains and provide more local services, with routes direct to London in areas that previously did not have any.

He said: "The point about HS2 is that you won't have to travel on it to gain from the better transport system and economic growth it will support."

It was also argued that more room would be available for freight trains, which could free up space on motorways.

The announcement comes shortly after KPMG announced findings regarding the benefits of the project.

In defence of HS2, the secretary of state claimed, out of £70 billion of transport investment for the next parliament, only £16 billion will go to the scheme.

Network Rail is due to receive £37.5 billion between 2014 and 2019, while money would still be spent on Crossrail and Thameslink. Other rail projects include a national electrification of 850 miles of track.