Diesel-only Trains Decommissioning 2022-05-19
2022-05-19
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Government have committed to phasing out diesel-only trains by 2040, but there is a need for progress updates.
What recent progress the Government have made on phasing out diesel-only trains by 2040.
We remain committed to phasing out diesel-only trains by 2040, and have electrified almost 800 miles of track in the past four years alone to support that goal.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific progress updates or new commitments beyond reiterating the existing commitment.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Global Centre of Rail Excellence being developed in Onllwyn, Neath constituency, is the first and only purpose-built UK rail test facility.
The Minister is aware that the Global Centre of Rail Excellence being developed in Onllwyn in my Neath constituency is the first and only purpose-built UK rail test facility, which will test the capability and reliability of alternative diesel rail technologies. Will the Minister add “test British” to her “buy British” approach, so that all new and upgraded rolling stock endure a fault-free running period before being introduced into service in the UK?
The hon. Lady highlights exactly why electrification of our railways is so important and also the importance of British research, British innovation and British businesses' involvement in the railway sector. On the point about electrification, I mentioned earlier that we had included almost 800 miles in England. I remind the House of the importance not just of electrification, but of the fact that it was this Government who, since 2010, have electrified more than 1,200 miles of rail, compared with just 63 under Labour.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific request to include testing requirements for British-made railway technology.
Changed Subject To Electrification
Response accuracy