The prime minister has reiterated his support for the Crossrail project in London.

The rail project, which would link east and west London, is yet to be given the green light.

Addressing journalists in Downing Street on Thursday, Tony Blair said that an announcement would be made "shortly, hopefully".

"It's important.  It's important to London and it’s important to the country," he said.

"London is...one of the great capitals of the world.  It’s a vibrant, successful city. 

"But if we don't get the proper transport infrastructure and make the investment necessary for it, we will diminish the ability of London to compete with the rest of the world. 

"And so I have made it clear all the way through I am in favour of Crossrail, I think we need to do it."