The BBC is reporting that HS2 will not connect to HS1, depriving the north of England from direct trains through the Channel Tunnel.
20 years ago another Government did the very same thing, withdrawing the planned Regional Eurostar service. It sold the trains to France and Canada, and closed down the depots.
For the full timeline, see the last page of the document linked below. This report also shows that it is possible even today to link Manchester to Paris – all the technical details are there for any sceptics.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-26717518
Download: Innovation in Manchester to Paris Overnight Rail with Existing Resources (PDF)
Tony Baldwinson 