Creation of HS2 has taken a huge step forward as the hybrid Bill for Phase One for the scheme between London and Birmingham successfully passed its third reading in the House of Commons.

Members of Parliament voted 399 to 42 in favour of the Bill on Wednesday 23rd March, which will now pass to the House of Lords.

Once it has completed this parliamentary passage without further problems, construction will begin for HS2 in 2017.

Speaking on behalf of Britain's anticipation for the project, transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: "British contractors are now bidding to build the line, British apprentices are waiting to work on it and British cities are waiting to benefit from it."

Mr McLoughlin has pledged that the government will be working closely with all those communities that will be significantly affected by the HS2 route. He also plans to keep a firm hand on maintaining low costs of the project, with the eventual aim of the railway producing excellent value for money for all involved.