Commons Sense

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Midland Main Line Electrification 2024-10-10

2024-10-10

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Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Catherine Atkinson Lab
Derby North
▸ Context
Progress on electrifying the midland main line has been under scrutiny as it could significantly reduce railway operating costs and decrease carbon emissions.
What recent progress has been made on the electrification of the midland main line. The full electrification would cut 42,000 tonnes of CO2 annually and retain key skills in rail electrification. With current work nearing completion, will the Minister provide further updates on extending this project?
Lilian Greenwood
Electrification is progressing with new overhead lines from Kettering to Wigston, enabling electric trains by 2025. The extension to Nottingham and Sheffield via Derby is planned for the early 2030s, pending business case approvals.
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Q2 Direct Answer
Catherine Atkinson Lab
Derby North
▸ Context
Progress on electrifying the midland main line is being discussed as it could significantly reduce railway operating costs and decrease carbon emissions.
The full electrification would cut 42,000 tonnes of CO2 annually and retain key skills in rail electrification. With current work nearing completion, will the Minister provide further updates on extending this project?
Lilian Greenwood
I commend my hon. Friend's support and assure her that delivering greener transport is a priority. The extension from Wigston to Nottingham, and via Derby to Sheffield, is planned for the early 2030s, subject to business case approvals.
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Q3 Partial Answer
Harriett Baldwin Con
West Worcestershire
▸ Context
The west midlands railway line from Birmingham to Hereford has seen a deterioration in performance since agreeing to an inflation-busting pay rise with the strikers.
The Birmingham to Hereford railway line is not electrified but has seen poor performance recently. Will the Minister agree to meet West Midlands Railway management to improve service on this important line?
Lilian Greenwood
There have been improvements in performance and a reduction in cancellations. My right hon. Friend is working hard to hold operators accountable and ensure constituents enjoy quality service.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Meeting West Midlands Railway management to discuss specific steps for improving the Birmingham to Hereford line's performance
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