A 19th century fix for 21st century economy

AS the Institute for Government pointed out when it cited HS2 as an example of what is wrong with political decisionmaking on infrastructure, this has always been a solution seeking a problem.

The case was invented by construction industry cheerleaders who hope to rake in billions of taxpayers’ money which is needed elsewhere. This is why the justifications for it have kept changing, with Government now settling on capacity and economy rebalancing.

But HS2 delivers capacity where it is needed the least, based on grossly inflated passenger forecasts. HS2 is a 19th century solution for a 21st century economy.

Money could be better spent on improving eastwest links in the North.

With it being obvious to everyone who lives in the real world that there are so many far more important priorities for public spending, it seems insane that the Government are still wedded to this vainglorious vanity project.

They must wake up, and wake up soon.