Go-ahead for the new Titanic

Clive Palmer, the Australian billionaire behind plans for a second Titanic, says she will set sail from Southampton to New York at the end of 2016.

He's going ahead with the controversial plan despite some claiming it's poor taste. Titanic 2 - a near replica of the original will be much smaller than today's Transatlantic liners - like the Queen Mary 2.

She'll be 65,000 tonnes, 882 feet long, 9 decks tall and able to carry 3,200 passengers and crew.

In his first British television interview Clive Palmer spoke to our Transport Correspondent at the Titanic 2 launch in New York. Mike also spoke to Philip Littlejohn and Dot Haisman, both relatives of Titanic survivors. Here's his full report.

Clive Palmer, the Australian businessman, has revealed his blueprint for the new Titanic exclusively to out Transport Correspondent Mike Pearse - an it's impressive stuff. Take a look.

Clive Palmer, the man who wants to build the second Titanic, talks to out Transport Correspondent Mike Pearse about his plans. He told Mike it was a great opportunity that so many people wanted.

The Australian billionaire Clive Palmer has been giving details of Titanic II at a press conference in America. Relatives of the passengers who sailed on the original ship have criticised his plan. They say it's in bad taste.

But enthusiasts are eager to be on board when the new liner leaves Southampton on her maiden voyage - just as the first Titanic did 100 years ago. Our tTansport Correspondent Mike Pearse sends this report from New York.

Clive Palmer says contracts to build ship will be signed next week. Mr Palmer said he wouldn't say the ship was unsinkable - but it will have all the latest safety features.

Mining magnate Clive Palmer says Titanic II will mostly sail between Southampton and New York.

Work is due to start later this year and her maiden voyage is planned in November 2016. Our transport correspondent Mike Pearse reports.

Titanic II will sail from Southampton in third quarter of 2016. "I will spend what it takes to build it. I want to spend the money I have before I die." Said Palmer.

Clive Palmer announces go-ahead for Titanic 2 saying "I can pay for it. It will be built and history is being made. Other ships are like apartment blocks. This will be different."

Palmer says ship will mostly sail between Southampton and New York. Will be escorted by Chinese Navy from shipyard to Southampton on first ship. Our correspondent, Mike Pearse, is at the press conference in New York where the announcement is being made.

Billionaire Clive Palmer officially announces go-ahead for Titanic 2 in New York saying "I can pay for it. It will be built and today's history is being made. Other ships are like apartment blocks. This will be different. Some have offered £750,000 to be on the first trip from Southampton ."