Government and unions are still pushing hard for the HS2 north-south rail link after a report showed its economic benefit was not as high as previously thought.

The benefit-cost ratio (BCR) for the full two-phase project is now estimated at 2.3, down from a figure of 2.5 given in August 2012.

This means that for every £1 spent, the economic benefit of the entire scheme will produce a benefit of £2.30 compared with £2.50 estimated last year.