When I posted the thread, I expected an old adversary to be in favour and I guessed right. TBQH, I enjoy crossing swords because of the reasoned arguments produced and the civility proffered.

Now, to the subject matter. The comparison between HS2 and the M1 are invalid because not only does the M1 now exist, but also the M6, the M40, the M4 and the A1M plus a multitude of interconnecting roads and motorways quite apart from the existing rail links which are far better than when the M1 was being proposed (late 50's).

The whole idea of HS2 is idiotic and constant references to "this, that or the other" on the way to industrialisation are also invalid as they were new "things" and HS2 is only an insignificant departure to add to existing transport infrastructure. It's a bit like someone in 1860 proposing a new canal to link London and Scotland!