With perhaps less than a week to go until the final decision on HS2 is announced, the final push in both sides’ campaigning is here.

A letter from businesses, rail union leaders and economists argues that HS2 is necessary to our economy and for providing employment.

But with huge pressure from MPs and their constituents living in rural areas along the route, alongside countryside campaigners, Labour with its alternative route, sceptical think tanks and the road lobby, it has not been plain sailing for the ‘yes’ lobby or the Government. This became obvious when it emerged that ministers have been seriously considering whether or not to add alter the route, perhaps by constructing another tunnel under the Chiltern hills.

But it is a decision that must be made, and with such huge planning, legal scrutinisation and construction ahead, time is of the essence.

Whichever way Justine Greening decides, there will be fierce opposition. With so much at stake – the price of the project, job opportunities and environmental concerns, not to mention political strategy – it is understandable that so much emotion is also involved.

In this situation, there can be no true compromise: the ‘no’ lobby are not arguing for a subtly altered route or extra noise protection, but that the whole line is a wasteful white elephant. If the Government is convinced we need HS2, it must make the case with gusto.