New HS2 proposal is farcical

Neither of the routes are justifiable, whether it is on a financial basis (bound to far exceed the guestimated costs), a passenger requirement (rich businessmen who can afford the fares) or the damage that will be inflicted on the countryside between London and Birmingham.

Building a train line that goes from London to Birmingham with no interim stops can be likened to building the M25 with just an exit at Heathrow and Gatwick – total madness.

This country could do with spending the money on things more important than an elite train service for the rich. - Peter Jackson, via email.