By Jonathan Walker THE possibility of a new high-speed rail line between Birmingham and London has received a lukewarm response from the city council.

By Jonathan Walker The possibility of a new high speed rail line between Birmingham and London has received a lukewarm response from the city council.

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.

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.