Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Furness Line Electrification

Thursday 14 December 2023 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Minister responded that Northern is developing a final business case for a new fleet for the Furness line, including greener technology options.
  • Simon Fell thanked the Minister and inquired about capacity improvements related to the Network North deal.
  • The Minister mentioned ongoing work by officials as part of Team Barrow to improve the A590 and explore options for the Furness line.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Simon Fell
Transport Energy
Context

The MP is assessing the potential benefits of electrifying the Furness railway line.

Question

What assessment has been made of the potential merits of electrifying the Furness line?

Answer from Huw Merriman

Northern is developing a final business case for a new fleet that will bring new trains to my hon. Friend's route, and include options for greener technology such as batteries. We are also working with the Great British Railways transition team to assess options to decarbonise the whole network.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not specifically address the merits of electrifying the Furness line, but discusses broader plans for greener technology and decarbonisation across the network.

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Q2 Simon Fell
Defence Transport
Context

The MP is concerned about the capacity issues arising from increased freight due to shipyard expansion in Barrow.

Question

I thank the Minister for his answer. He will be delighted to know that, for once, I am going to ask not about the quality of service on the Furness line, but rather about capacity. The Government recently announced, through the Network North deal, the electrification of the energy coast line. That will take 150 million tonnes of freight off that line every year and is hugely welcome. Through the SSN-AUKUS programme and the Dreadnought programme, and the doubling of the size of the shipyard in Barrow, a similar amount of freight will be needed going the other way. Will the Minister meet me and the wider Team Barrow board to discuss the merits of electrifying the Furness line?

Answer from Huw Merriman

As my hon. Friend knows, my officials are active members of Team Barrow, alongside the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and local partners, recognising the national significance of the submarine programme. Work is ongoing, looking at improvements to the A590, and at options for the rail industry to improve the local rail network. I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend to discuss that work.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not directly address the specific merits of electrifying the Furness line but discusses broader efforts and meetings involving Team Barrow.

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