HS2 could be partly funded by the Chinese, according to a report on the Independent's website.

The report says that British Prime Minister David Cameron – on a trip to Beijing this week – is said to be a fan of Chinese investment in the £80bn scheme. China would get high speed rail technology in return.

"I'm very interested in what's happening in terms of high-speed rail in China," Mr Cameron is quoted as saying during a visit to a Chinese exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum last week.

"It seems to be an absolute high-speed revolution taking place. In terms of HS2, I very much welcome Chinese investment into British infrastructure."

Chinese premier Li Keqiang said Britain and China had agreed to 'push for breakthroughs' on high speed rail cooperation, according to the Independent.