OPINION - The Standard View: High Speed 2 must reach its final destination

Spending billions of pounds on a high-capacity, high-speed rail line linking the North with the capital, only for it to terminate several miles from central London, would be penny wise but pound foolish. Yet that is precisely what Government-imposed delays to the scheme would mean.

The missed economic opportunity is obvious. If HS2 is to be a success, it must boost connection speeds between our great cities. Terminating at Old Oak Common for years on end does not achieve that goal. It is perverse given the investment delivered and sacrifices made that HS2 should not make it to Euston as soon as possible. Moreover, current plans would place pressure on the Elizabeth Line.

To that end, the mayors of London and Greater Manchester, as well as the leaders of Camden and Manchester councils, have signed an open letter to Transport Secretary Mark Harper calling on the Government to end the uncertainty and back both a HS2 rail station in Manchester and a terminus at Euston. The Government ought to listen.

The experience of Crossrail shows what can be achieved when Britain thinks big, even in the face of delays and budgetary issues. And once built, we will look back in wonder at how we ever managed without it.

Nato coup for Ukraine

On deciding to illegally invade Ukraine, Vladimir Putin had two core aims: to strengthen Russia and weaken Nato. He has failed spectacularly on both fronts. In an historic moment, Nato allies have agreed that Ukraine would become a member of the alliance.

This announcement represents a diplomatic coup for Volodymyr Zelensky and is further evidence of the unity displayed by the West in its support for Kyiv. The timing is propitious, coming as US president Joe Biden approved a new military package and ahead of an expected counter-offensive this summer. The constant missile and drone attacks on Kyiv — this morning an 11-year-old girl was killed by a Russian air strike — are a reminder not only of the horror of Putin’s war, but the need for a free, secure and prosperous Ukraine within the family of European nations.

More cash for Ulez

The Evening Standard has long backed the extension of the Ultra Low Emission Zone as we believe all Londoners deserve the right to breathe clean air.

At the same time, we have consistently called for a more generous car scrappage scheme, to help those needing to make the change. We therefore welcome the news that Sadiq Khan will be expanding his £110 million scheme, loosening eligibility to cover all small businesses and families in receipt of child benefit.

But we must go further. The Mayor should work with ministers not only to enable more motorists to apply, but to properly fund the programme. The Government talks a good game about its green credentials — now is the opportunity to put its money where its mouth is.