The French have a train that does 354mph. Imagine the benefits for Sussex commuters: leave the office at London Bridge at 5pm and be in Brighton Station at 5.10pm. Have a lie- in the next day, followed by a leisurely breakfast, then catch the 8.20am and get in to the office for 8.30am.

Will we ever build such a service?

We would talk about the cost, we would talk about the noise, we would talk about the train being linked to Satan, we would worry about disturbing squirrels and insects, the member for Lewes would object as the train wouldn't go to Lewes and in 34 years' time, when the present 1850s-built railway line is a pile of rust we would still be arguing about it.

The Third World begins at Calais and African nations will soon be organising collections for us.

  • Chris Rackley, Chanctonbury Road, Burgess Hill