UK: more HS2 details revealed

[John Ashworth]

HS2 phase two route details announced

No time for high speed train delay: Unions say 400,000 jobs hinge on rail project

HS2 links revealed: But Heathrow line is put on hold

HS2 high-speed rail links to north unveiled

[M. Hardy-Randall]

I cannot but feel that this is either a dead duck or a dying one. The 'nimby brigade' is already massing the troops to fight every inch of the route and the environment support group say that it will harm the countryside and is not needed. In other words 'I am alright, Jack!' Plus of course there is always the possibility that the next government will cancel the project due to cost, ignoring the benefits in the future. See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21229602 for various comments..

In France there were meetings threatening action if the TGV lines did not come through their town or city, in the UK it is the opposite. A situation that baffles me.

[John Ashworth]

HS2 route: ministers tread a fine line to win over sceptical nation

High-speed rail? The Victorians would be horrified by how long it’ll take to build HS2