Giving HS2 the green light will end grumbles that France and Japan, to name only two countries, build high-speed rail links quickly while here in Britain we’re stuck on the slow track.

However, the Tories must take responsibility for dithering which added to spiralling costs after Labour launched HS2 in 2009.

Even now Boris Johnson repeats past mistakes by leaving a question mark over routes north of Birmingham instead of giving a vote of confidence in the whole line.

Making savings wherever possible to keep down the final bill is most important – but the huge HS2 project is vital.

It will boost rail capacity and speed up journeys.

HS2 will also help spread wealth by linking England’s North and Midlands with more prosperous London and the South East.

The benefits might not be felt until it’s running, yet no Government committed to rebuilding Britain could derail HS2 and pretend to be constructing the future.

• 
  Lifeboat almost capsizes on desperate mission to rescue surfer during Storm Ciara

Storm warning

Storm Ciara’s ferocious battering will be felt long after the winds have died down and floods receded.

Homeowners, businesses and travellers will be left facing the cruel storm’s aftermath.

Bad weather is expected at this time of year, yet there is no doubt that the ever more extreme swings of Mother Nature are being triggered by the climate emergency.

Just as Australians accept the devastating bush fires were inflamed by a changing climate we may come to recognise it is behind increasing floods and storms in Britain.

If we don’t look after Earth better our planet will turn on us – and we’ll deserve it.

Rio and Kate Ferdinand’s account of how she became his wife and a mother to his three kids after their mum died is moving.

When other families have gone through the same, and more will in future, the searing honesty of the Ferdinands is welcome.

Source: Read Full Article