The case for HS2

SIR – Sir John Armitt (Comment, August 5) advocates HS2 as “a project of its time”.

His comment that further investment across Britain should be made in order to enjoy the full benefits of HS2 is in line with the recent letter to the Chancellor from a cross-party group of MPs and peers. The letter rightly asks for £100 billion of investment in infrastructure across the North to be completed in time for the arrival of HS2 in the early 2030s.

HS2 is just one of the projects required to reverse the inequality that has left a number of British regions among the poorest in the EU – a national disgrace. London and the South East have enjoyed an investment boom, with the highly successful HS1, Thameslink, Crossrail 1 and a transformation of the Tube. While it is great to see investment, it should be spread across the country.

HS2 represents a crucial step towards providing world-class infrastructure throughout Britain. Nigel Davies London W8 SIR – Who has the nerve or power to stop HS2?

As you report (August 5), the cost is forecast to double – and, if the project does go ahead, I’m sure this will prove to be an underestimation.

The benefits are marginal even to the cloistered city-dweller – and imperceptible to anyone outside. It’s time to stop this nonsense, and spend the money on services that benefit our country. Tony Wolfe

Penrith, Cumbria

SIR – It ought to come as little surprise that the cost estimates for HS2 continue to rise, and that further sums will be necessary for ancillary infrastructure if its full value is to be realised. The real surprise is that no heed appears to have been paid to creating a situation in which the trains on HS2 can actually run as intended.

If this is to be the nation’s flagship project, then those privileged to work on it should not have the option of striking. The saga with Govia must not be repeated. Industrial peace needs to be assured before any further money is committed. Ian Nalder

Nairn

SIR – Philip Griffiths (Letters, August 5) writes that HS2 is part of the EU’s plans for fast communications between its cities.

The current proposals are for the line to run from a new station outside Birmingham to a new interchange station outside central London. Although work has started, the link to Euston has yet to be finalised. Connections to central Birmingham and the NEC, and Euston to St Pancras for Eurostar, will be by automated people mover.

With all the changing involved, how will this improve the ease of travel – let alone travel time between London, Birmingham and continental destinations?