The very fact that HS2 is designed to run at 240 mph rather than run, like the usual continental high-speed trains, at 190 mph is in itself damaging to the environment, in that it increases carbon emissions by over 20 per cent, whilst reducing the time between London and Birmingham by a mere three and a half minutes.

The National Audit Office has itself criticised the scheme, arguing that many of the cost-benefit arguments are already being eroded by delays and increased budgets. They also say that the timescales for completion are unrealistic, with 2026 for London to Birmingham, 2027 to Crewe and 2033 to Manchester and Leeds being almost impossible to achieve. Add to this the opinion of many rail transport academics that far from helping towns such as Nottingham, Stockport and Wakefield, it may even have a damaging effect on their economies as it actually adversely affects the connectivity to the larger conurbations of the region.

Richard Wellings of the Institute of Economic Affairs even questioned the veracity of the claims that it would transform the economy of the regions where HS2 would most directly connect. So, what chance of any part of Wales gaining significant economic benefits? There have been many facile arguments used to promote what can only be called a vanity project by this UK Government. And here are just a few of them: HS2 will create greater connectivity between the north and the south, thus generating huge economic benefits to the northern regions. But opponents argue that it will simply make it easier for the brightest and the best from cities such as Manchester, Leeds and Hull to commute to much higher-paid jobs in London, which would, of course, have the adverse effect of losing some of the region’s best talent with its resultant loss to the local economy.