Earlier this month, Mr Grayling confirmed on BBC Radio 4 that he had ‘no plans to back away from HS2’. In a speech in made in the Derby Council Chambers yesterday, he reaffirmed his position and HS2’simportance to the Midlands.

Mr Grayling confirmed that in that “in the East Midlands, rail passenger journeys are up 125% ... in the West Midlands, they’re up an astonishing 250%; a far greater rise than in any other region in England, Scotland or Wales”.

Figures from last year provided by TUC revealed that the number of East Midlands commuters spending more than two hours travelling to and from work is up by 87% since 2004, and 67% for West Midland passengers.

Mr Grayling went on to focus on the HS2 project.

“The Midlands needs HS2.

“It’s an essential part of our blueprint to build a better transport system for Britain.

“And I am therefore pleased with the report’s [Midlands Connect’s ‘Picking up the Pace’] recognition that the best way for this region to reap the benefits of HS2 is to work together.

“That means working with agencies such as Highways England and HS2 Ltd.

“But also it also means working together as a region, and so to make sure that HS2 is properly connected to the rest of the Midlands.

“Of course, even though the HS2 bill is making excellent progress through Parliament, and even though we are on track to start construction just next year, we still need to keep making the case for the project; building support, helping people understand that it’s about capacity, not just about speed.”