Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Net Zero Strategy: Rail Electrification

Thursday 17 March 2022 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The transport decarbonisation plan aims to decarbonise all modes of transport by 2050, with electrification playing a key role.
  • The Minister committed to reviewing the Shrewsbury to Wolverhampton line for potential electrification, aligning with ongoing work by Midlands Connect.
  • The Minister did not address the Road Haulage Association's cost estimate or its impact on the poor, focusing instead on the benefits of transport decarbonisation.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Chris Stephens SNP
Transport Climate
Context

The MP seeks to understand the government's assessment of accelerating transport decarbonisation.

Question

What assessment has been made of the potential merits and UK capability for accelerating the decarbonisation of transport?

Answer from Trudy Harrison

Our transport decarbonisation plan sets out how we will decarbonise the transport sector by 2050. Electrification will play an important role in decarbonising all modes. Over 1,221 track miles of electrification have been delivered since 2010, compared to 63 under the previous government, and we continue to expand the electrified rail network.

Answered
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Q2 Daniel Kawczynski Con
Transport
Context

The MP seeks a commitment for the electrification of the Shrewsbury to Wolverhampton line.

Question

We are in negotiations about upgrades and new investments on the Shrewsbury to Wolverhampton line. Will you commit to looking at it with a view to electrifying as soon as possible?

Answer from Trudy Harrison

I can certainly give that commitment. My hon. Friend has met with the Rail Minister and will do so again. Midlands Connect is developing a business case for journey time improvements, assessing enhancements required, timescales for delivery and costs and benefits of the scheme.

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Q3 Chris Stephens SNP
Economy Transport Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP is concerned about the impact of increasing transport costs on basic foodstuffs and day-to-day living expenses.

Question

Given the huge impact increasing transport costs are having, does the Minister accept the Road Haulage Association's estimate of an 18% increase in members' running costs? Is that another cost falling disproportionately on the poor?

Answer from Trudy Harrison

The decarbonisation of transport will bring benefits to our economy, society and environment. This is set out in our transport decarbonisation plan.

Not addressed: The impact of increasing transport costs on poverty was not addressed.

How: The Decarbonisation Efforts Are Expected To Bring Benefits But No Specific Measures Were Mentioned For Mitigating The Cost Impacts On Poor.

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