>>1345881Bong here that you're replying to.
HS2 was actually the main reason why I replied what I did, the idea that "lol just build the railroad!" happens is completely retarded. This also applies in the rest of Europe as well from what I've seen/read.
Most of the controversy in the UK though is if it will really deliver value for money, as it (mostly) follows the WCML, which is already one of the best railway sections in the UK and how the money (£50bn+) could be better spent, like electrifying the rest of the railway and ordering new rolling stock.