HS2 was always a white elephant. To launch it now is a disgrace | Simon Jenkins

The coronavirus recession will hurt all parts of society but nothing can derail a Conservative megaproject

It is beyond cynical. Almost every business in Britain is in lockdown. Shops are shut, factories padlocked, firms bankrupted, millions pushed into short- or long-term unemployment. They are told by the cabinet, We are all in this together.

No we are not. Somewhere contractors are popping the champagne and consultants carting their fees to the bank. These are not medical suppliers, care...