UK rail jobs could enjoy a huge boost if proposals to develop a high-speed link between London and the West Midlands are given the green light.

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A blueprint for the rail link - which would be the fastest railway in Europe - was handed to the government for approval today (December 30th).

If it is agreed, ministers hope to decide on a detailed route by March 2010 with construction beginning in 2017 and the first trains running by 2025.

The move is the latest in government attempts to improve rail travel, with transport secretary Lord Adonis telling the BBC earlier this month that two-thirds of all passenger rail routes would be electric by 2017.

Trains on the new London - Midlands rail link will travel at up to 200mph, cutting journey times between London and Edinburgh to just two hours 40 minutes.

Lord Adonis said that, in terms of new policy, high-speed rail was his top priority over the next three months.