Political pressure is growing on the government to give Stratford International a key role in the planned new High Speed 2 rail service.

A cross-party group of MPs has already recommended that transport secretary Justine Greening re-examine the station’s role in the proposed network, which will stretch from London to Birmingham.

East Ham PM Stephen Timms has given his full backing to the findings of the transport select committee.

“We need to plan now for through services from the Channel Tunnel to Birmingham and Manchester with Stratford as the London stop,” he said.

The lobby group Greengauge21, one of the main campaigners for High Speed Rail, have argued that using Stratford, instead of a proposed new station at Old Oak Common in west London, could save �1 billion.

Britain already has one high speed rail line, from the Channel Tunnel to St Pancras via Stratford International.

Newham Mayor, Sir Robin Wales, last week also called on the government to use Stratford rather than spend more money on Euston station.

He added: “At a time of increasing austerity it is vital that the government uses existing assets.

“East London is already recognised for its huge economic potential and international travel from Stratford would further increase the interest we’ve had from international businesses wanting to move to the area.”