The Confederation of British Industry was more diplomatic, saying that while it supported a snazzy new railway line, a new runway for Heathrow was still necessary.

ECONOMIST: High-speed rail

China's efforts to improve coal supplies include the building of a new east-west passenger railway line, set to open in 2013, which should free existing tracks for coal transport.

ECONOMIST: What is good news for miners is bad news for the environment

The line will include 30 miles of new railway and seven new stations at Shawfair, Eskbank, Newtongrange, Gorebridge, Stow, Galashiels and Tweedbank.

BBC: Tweedbank bridge

The line will include 30 miles of new railway with three existing stations and seven new ones - at Shawfair, Eskbank, Newtongrange, Gorebridge, Stow, Galashiels and Tweedbank.

BBC: Borders to Edinburgh rail route main contractor agreed