From Hansard, 5th September 2013: debate about the North East Independent Economic Review report
Mr Kevan Jones (North Durham) (Lab):
The report [North East Independent Economic Review report] appears to give tentative support for High Speed 2, although it does not actually do so, because it admits that the north-east will benefit the least. That is true: HS2 will be a complete disaster for the north-east of England. We have heard about a wish list of transport projects—including a Teesside metro and others—if HS2 goes ahead, but I would say forget it, as that will not happen. What we need is real investment and increased capacity on the east coast main line. Back in 1980, the then British Rail did an experiment, clearing all traffic off the east coast main line. Journey times from Edinburgh to King’s Cross came down to three hours, and from Newcastle to just over two hours. That is what we have to do—invest in that, not in the vanity project for which this Government have fallen. It was dreamed up by Lord Adonis, who I do not think has ever been elected to anything—apart from when he was milk monitor at school.
In view of Mr Balls comments today,page 8 of the document at the link below shows just how much is planned to be wasted on hs2 in the next Parliament
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/209279/PU1524_IUK_new_template.pdf
?! “…clearing all the traffic off the East Coast Main Line…” Whatever can he mean?
Of course, if you clear off all the traffic out of the way, – whether it’s the East Coast, West Coast ,the Brighton line or the Bluebell you can go at whatever speed you like -theoretically- but- if you’re hoping to improve capacity- then it all seems self defeating …
(and Jeremy Clarkson and co. could do twice the ton up and down the M1 if they could have it all for themselves)
But I thought that this site was against a small privileged elite having it all for themselves…It’s all a bit confusing.