HS2 new extended route announcement

The recent announcements about the extended two fingers to Leeds and Manchester prompt the following thoughts.

NIMBY – sadly, as lot of the opposition to HS2 has been channelled in such a way that one of the easiest criticism of people against HS2 is that they are NIMBIES.  This allows an easy downgrading of that genuine opposition into anti progress Luddites.

It might be more relevant for a lot of people to ask "WHY NOT IN MY BACKYARD" - for example, people living in Bath, Lowestoft, Truro, Great Yarmouth or Exeter (to name but a few) will be paying as much towards HS2 as the few who will actually be able to use it. 

With the new route of misery being announced, we will see a fresh wave of support against HS2 – but it is a shame that more of the anti-HS2 effort will not be diverted to look at many other valid reasons why HS2 should be consigned to the rubbish (certainly not recycling) bin.

I heard on the radio that HS2 will increase trade between “our two great cities” (London and Birmingham); there is no doubt that the introduction of the high speed canal boats a century or more ago had that effect as it allowed produce, materials and goods to be moved between the cities (and stopping off on the way) but, unless I have missed something, I do not think that HS2 will be carrying coal, grain or manufactured nick nacks. Lots of people do a lot of their shopping on line and the same is happening in business. Wake up, HS2 supporting politicians and civil servants, the world has changed.

The financial benefits fielded by HS2 and the Department of Transport have been exploded so many times that it speaks volumes for the thick skinned (or just thick) determination of HS2 supporters dogged repetition of the same discredited “facts”.

OK, maybe there is a need for increased government spending (I am not saying that there is, merely that maybe there is) but, if it is needed, why not spend it on something useful – or even, with that lump of money, several useful things? Surely this is not happening so that no one can point and say that people in government changed their mind on HS2 or increasing government spending? Surely not!  ?

I keep hearing the old argument that other countries have high speed trains, why not us? Firstly, the fact that someone else is doing something is seldom a good reason for copying them. Secondly, unless much has changed, there are no high speed networks running at full speed and profitably. Thirdly, there are many countries with higher lots of things – many not good such as unemployment, disease, crime – but that should not make us follow them.

HS2, connecting the few at the expense of all.

HS2, the train you can watch and hear going past but which you will probably never board.

HS2, rushing past you to important destinations like Toton and Meadowhall.

HS2, a financial disaster waiting to happen?