It is unwise to generalise in politics but, on the face of it, the will-we-won't-we struggle over the future of the Tyburn Road bus lanes appears to expose conflicting interests in Birmingham City Council's ruling Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition.

The Government must match its financial support for major rail schemes in London and the South-east of the country by quickly approving the final pounds 236 million tranche of public funding for the renewal of New Street Station, Birmingham City Council leader Mike Whitby demanded last night.

By Paul Dale Public Affairs Editor A Government announcement about the final pounds 236 million tranche of public funding for the renewal of New Street Station will not be made this week and is likely to be subject to further delays,The Birmingham Post has learned.

A LIBERAL Democrat government would oppose expansion at major airports such as Birmingham, but back plans for a new high-speed rail line. Transport spokesman Susan Kramer said it was "madness" that passengers were flying between London and Glasgow.

By Neil Elkes THE bid for a pounds 550 million upgrade to New Street Station is "in better shape to succeed" today following top level Government talks. That is the view of Government minister Liam Byrne following a meeting with council leader Mike Whitby and regional transport bosses.