What the article says is correct although Virgins claims for its Pendolino run are regarded by many as misleading. The APT in 1984 actually did it quicker but in the opposite direction, from Euston to Glasgow.
Without purpose built high-speed lines and with its high dependence on diesel power, Britain can no longer be regarded as a player in World speed record attempts. These speed records have now become publicity tools for the big rail manufacturers like Siemens and Alstom and always take place on dedicated high-speed lines using electric traction.
Even if we were to utilise the Channel Tunnel Rail Link for the purposes of setting some sort of record where would we obtain the train or locomotive? With no real train manufacturing facilities in the U.K, the chances are it would have to be foreign which makes any record attempt a bit of a waste of time.
