Not technically HSR, as their top speed will be 140mph, but these will be the first Shinkansens to run in Europe. That means that Britain will be operating the fastest diesel trains in the world, Italian Pendolino's, French TGV's, and Japanese Shinkansens. Only ICE trains to add to the collection!
29 have been ordered, and are currently being built by Hitachi. They will run between large commuter settlements in Kent via the CTRL into new platforms at London St Pancras. Eurostar will also terminate at London St Pancras.