Pendolino

Sir Jonathan also said HS2 trains will travel more slowly than existing Pendolino trains when they travel on conventional tracks between Birmingham and Manchester, because they cannot tilt on bends.

Czech Railways said the accident took place early in the morning in the town of Bohumin, shortly after the departure of the Pendolino train for Prague.

The nine-carriage Pendolino train failed to beat a British Rail Advanced Passenger Train's December 1984 voyage.

Passengers were transferred to a replacement train as station staff coaxed the cat from the Pendolino, which travels at speeds up to 125mph.

The shops on Pendolino services will still be open, but re-usable coffee cups will not be accepted.