Is this the right time to start building HS2?

NOW workers are not travelling to offices, it is even more apparent that HS2 is no longer needed. If it ever opens, it will be largely unused, and it’s doubtful if it will ever be extended to the North of England. Crossrail is already years behind schedule and millions over budget, which should set alarm bells ringing over the future of HS2. Not only would cancellation save billions, but it would preserve ancient woods and the beautiful countryside in the Chilterns, which are on the route of the line.

WILLIAM BROWN, Wendover, Bucks.

I SALUTE the Prime Minister for making the bold decision to push ahead with HS2. It’s perfect timing — what Britain needs at this time of fear and uncertainty is action and a commitment to future prosperity.

M. SPRINGER, Reading, Berks.

THE money being spent on HS2 would be better used on upgrading the existing rail system to benefit more travellers, not a chosen few.

RAY LYNN, Huntingdon, Cambs. THE HS2 folly is wreaking havoc on people’s lives and bringing despair to those in its path. With the country in so much debt due to the pandemic, money should be spent where it’s needed, not on a train service that no one has asked for.

N. SMITH, Blandford Forum, Dorset.

THE fact that HS2 has officially started shows white elephants are not an endangered species.

J. DIXON, Sleaford, Lincs. IF WE want to get people back to work and encourage businesses in the North, we need to help people who commute from Wakefield into Leeds, and Barnsley into Sheffield. We don’t need to encourage people to travel to London, which already has enough commuters from Kent and Surrey.

PETER HADLOW, Torquay, Devon.