HS2 has just claimed its first victim: the rail upgrades we so badly need | Simon Jenkins

As Network Rail’s investment plan grinds to a halt, HS2 is more of a wild extravagance than ever. Put it on ice and the money where it is actually needed

The truth is out. When the HS2 railway line was confirmed by the last government, the transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin promised it would have no impact on existing rail investment. Yesterday that promise lay in ruins. Network Rail’s much-vaunted £38.5bn rail investment plan – in reality it is the government’s – has been put on hol...