Will the high speed rail network boost the economy?

MPs on the Commons Transport Committee say the new HS2 high-speed rail link between London and Birmingham could be a catalyst for economic growth and help to bridge the north-south divide.

Backbench MPs have also given their consent for the rail line, which will serve trains which can travel at 250mph.

John Longworth, director-general of the British Chambers of Commerce, and Mark Littlewood, director-general of the Institute of Economic Affairs, discussed the positives and the negatives of the scheme with Radio 5 live's Wake Up To Money.

To hear more BBC Radio 5 live highlights, please visit the best bits page.

Wake Up To Money broadcasts weekdays 0530 to 0600 on BBC Radio 5 live.