High Speed Rail campaigners have continued to step up the fight against those opposing the HS2 development by producing a lengthy one-sided document entitled, “10 Myths: Bringing balance to the debate about high-speed rail.”

The document mainly targets the “myths” on finance and spending costs claiming fares on a high speed rail will remain at around £40- 45 so that those on low incomes as well as wealthier passengers will be able to use the service. The article also argues that significant financial returns will be made and that the private sector is also likely to make investments.

However it fails to cover what the British public think about this rail development. In order to truly decide whether this costly service will benefit passengers they must take the passenger into account.

Paul Thandi, CEO of the NEC Group, says: “HS2 offers material benefits and opportunities for the businesses of the West Midlands and the UK creating tens of thousands of new jobs for local people but importantly ensuring our economy can remain competitive in the future providing a choice and chance for our children in ever increasing global economy.”

That’s fine, but is this just what campaigners want them to believe? For an argument to truly be won, public opinion must be won first and that seldom happens when the ‘evidence’ is stacked so blatantly to one side or the other.

Give a more balanced view and you might just start to win more support.