Distances in the UK are deceptive. East-West in the north faces the Pennine challenge. North-South is a heck of a long way!

Other countries in Europe are far ahead when it comes to transport infrastructure. Spain and France come to mind. Germany has an extensive road network but their rail connections lag behind. The Low Countries are smaller but have invested quite a bit over the years, and are still doing so.

London to Newcastle (the full HS2 and HS3 project) and Liverpool to Hull (also HS3) should be started now. The bills may seem enormous but they will be spread over a good number of years (15 to 25 years). By then, other countries will be replacing or upgrading their HiSpeed rail links while the UK is still trying to open theirs.

Mobility is the name of the game. The UK is bad at it. The road network is not too bad, but we should be encouraging people off the roads, and off aeroplanes! Good rail connections – for both people and goods – are the answer.

The discussion should not be about ‘if’ such rail connections are necessary, but about when they will be in service. Rail travel is more environmentally friendly than any of the alternatives. If the UK wants to spread economic opportunity throughout the UK then good rail connections are vital.