So are you suggesting that the introduction of 125 mph running south of Bedford has been a complete waste of time? Of course it doesn't help that it starts to undermine the case for HS2 replacing services on the MML.
No, it is not a waste of time. This is like saying that the electrification to Hazel Grove is a waste of time just because it is no longer used.
I am just saying that it will likely cease to be utilised significantly after the completion of electrification.
And I doubt HS2 will directly replace many MML services, just pointing out that the ECML will be in a position to more efficiently provide many of the end to end journeys now provided by the MML.
In other words you are suggesting that the Dft was wrong to spend money on the MML and that their assumptions regarding the MML after the introduction of HS2 are wrong. Who has confirmed that IEP's will be ordered for the MML?
That is not what I am saying - I just believe that the high speed operations will be better served by other routes once HS2 is available - however this has not yet occurred. If nothing else it is a useful hedge.
Noone has confirmed IEPs for anything, which is why I am offering the opinion that IEPs will not be ordered for the MML.
How can you justify increasing journey times from London to Leicester. Or indeed Leicester to Nottingham or Leicester to Sheffield? Just wondering.
Simple - needs of the many, this speed costs money.
Those flows are not enormous and in any case most of those journey times will not be effected significantly by the reduction in speed from 125mph maximum to 110/115mph. (Aren't many of the Leicester/Nottingham trains operated by HSTs? I bet they will come out slower than a 110/115mph multiple unit would end to end).
Leicester is not going to miss a few seconds on its end to end timings.
Especially when it appears to only have a handful of nonstop trains anyway - with the savings in capacity from a more uniform speed profile you could probably give it additional nonstop trains.