Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The rationale behind the current HS2 plan is unarguable: capacity is rapidly running out; we need a brand-new railway line; any new line will be horrendously expensive; spending tens of billions and not getting a modern high-speed service would be idiotic; any new line needs to avoid towns to be economic and be very straight with no sharp bends to be high speed. The proposed HS2 route is therefore pretty much a given. Admittedly it makes poor copy to just agree with the Government, but in this case the current HS2 plan is the only real option.
Mark Stevenson
The idea is to separate the long-distance trains from the slow local ones which, theoretically, can now be made more frequent and reliable. A kind of heart bypass if you will. Tinkering with existing lines won't do.
"Muscle Co"
Gatwick Express barriers
You reported that Gatwick Express was ending payment on the train. It is now a fortress. While the authorities are doing all they can to make travel easier and more pleasant in the run-up to the Olympics, this ridiculous train company has, at a stroke, made passengers' lives more difficult and unpleasant.
Michael Dempsey
Stargazing holidays
You appear to have missed the Channel Islands. At low tide, the rocky sea bed to the south of Jersey is lunar in appearance, and guided tours are made to the Seymour Tower – known as "the moon walk". Also, Sark has become the first island to be given Dark Sky status.
"Jersey Bean"
Two sides of Tunisair
Granted, Tunisia's national airline is not without its faults ("Tunisair puts a spanner in the works", 8 January). But on the upside, holidays packaged with Tunisair fares from Heathrow are very good value. Plus, you get 20kg baggage allowance, a hot meal and free golf club carriage included as standard.
Tunisia First (tour operator)
Lyse Doucet's Life in Travel
The song referred to is "All the diamonds in the world" by Bruce Cockburn, not Bruce Springsteen. It's a pity that this highly talented but underrated singer didn't get a deserved name check.
Brian Walsh
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments