Star comment: Sunak on the wrong track over HS2
There’s a common thread linking the key announcements that Rishi Sunak has made in the past week or so.
In watering down the green agenda and in appearing to call into question the future of HS2, he is making a clear and clean break with the premiership of Boris Johnson. The man who made Mr Sunak Chancellor of the Exchequer was a key advocate of green issues and also delivered the go-ahead for HS2.
Mr Sunak, in contrast, has seen the political capital to be gained from ditching both – the Conservatives secured Mr Johnson’s former Uxbridge constituency in a by-election dominated by anti-green sentiment. He would also rather spend the money targeted towards HS2 on other, vote-winning promises.
There’s a second theme, however, which the Prime Minister will find less palatable, which is this. While some voters endorse his policies, it seems many do not.
His move on climate change pledges has angered people across the political spectrum, from young voters to hard-nosed, true-blue business types. His apparent shift on HS2 has also brought together those in the Midlands and the North, who have warned of the damage that will be caused by such a decision.
We are in danger of getting less than half a line – with the ludicrous situation that existing services from the West Midlands to London will be quicker than HS2. The first mistake was arguably starting HS2 at all. But, once started, it should at least be made to fulfil its potential.
Not taking the line to Euston Station is a huge misstep as it severely weakens the first phase. Not going ahead with phase two feeds the impression that Mr Sunak cares less about the north than the south.
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Children need routine, perhaps even more than adults. Routine provides stability and helps youngsters to perform at their best.
As they make their way through the first phase of their life, it’s a comforting, and reassuring presence. Covid broke that cycle of routine for many, particularly among families who were forced to juggle work with home life. For many parents, the commitment of work meant that less attention could be given to children than they might have liked.
Such matters are evidence of the long-term damage the pandemic and its lockdowns have had. Quite apart from the £800 billion bill that the nation has faced, there are also acute personal costs. The issue also shows why so many people now opt to work from home where possible – and why many left their pressured jobs at the end of Covid for something with a better work-life balance.
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