Ely Railway Upgrade 2025-12-03

Opened the debate

I draw Members' attention to my entry in the Register of Members' Financial Interests as a district councillor for East Cambridgeshire. The outline business case for the Ely area capacity enhancement scheme shows that for every £1 invested, there will be a return of £4.89—so you may wonder why we need a half-hour debate on what is so obviously a great scheme. Yet successive Governments have failed to deliver the scheme. Funding was even promised just in time for the 024 election but was not secured. The Ely area capacity enhancement scheme would upgrade the railway to allow more trains through Ely, improving connectivity and reliability while meeting demand for rail freight between Felixstowe, the west midlands, and the north. It supports sustainable economic growth, strengthens resilience in our transport network, reduces road accidents and congestion, and significantly cuts carbon emissions. The project is estimated to take 98,000 lorry journeys off the road every single year and could result in an extra six freight trains per day from Felixstowe port. The scheme has a £4.89 cost-to-benefit ratio, with national benefits extending beyond Cambridgeshire to regions like Transport for London and Transport for the North. Stakeholders are frustrated by ongoing delays; I ask the Minister to provide clarity and commit to funding detailed planning for the Ely junction upgrade.

Government Response

The Minister acknowledges the importance of the Ely junction upgrade for improving rail freight capacity and connectivity. They have not provided specific funding amounts or detailed timelines but emphasise ongoing consultations and assessments to ensure efficient use of resources. The Government recognises the scheme's benefits, including environmental and economic advantages, but stresses the need for thorough planning before committing significant funds. There is no clear commitment to a meeting with Network Rail or setting a specific timeline for progress. The Minister acknowledged the importance of the Ely Area Capacity Enhancement Programme and recognised the tireless advocacy by Charlotte Cane. She highlighted that while the programme had a strong business case, it was not allocated funding due to current financial constraints. The Government remain committed to supporting the scheme as part of future rail enhancements but emphasised the need for further exploration of funding options including third-party contributions. Lilian Greenwood reassured MPs that EACE would continue to be reviewed and prioritised when additional funding becomes available, and she encouraged local stakeholders to engage in updating the business case to align with potential future spending reviews.