HS2 to become freight-only under new north-south rail plan

https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/civils/hs2-to-become-freight-only-under-new-north-south-rail-plan-01-04-2026/

I can’t seem to get my head around the strategic logic in this.

Is there bulk freight that’s so urgent and will pay a premium and compete with air cargo? Indeed is there such a market?

No doubt someone has crunched the nos and can explain better?