I think there is a misconception about the hs2. It's not just about speed, the existing lines are at capacity and the alternative would be to double the Number of tracks. But there is no room to do this in many places and think of the Disruption to the normal rail service while It was going on.

So, now that we're building a new track, it makes sense to make it as fast and efficient as possible.

BTW, I'm suffering disruption from the hs2 and probably won't get any compensation either.