Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Midland Main Line: Electrification

Thursday 10 October 2024 · 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 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Electrification of the midland main line from Kettering to Wigston is progressing, with electric trains expected by 2025.
  • Extension of the electrification to Nottingham and Sheffield via Derby is planned for the early 2030s, subject to business case approvals.
  • The Minister agrees to hold railway operators accountable to improve service quality and performance on the Birmingham to Hereford line.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Catherine Atkinson Lab Derby North
Transport Energy
Context

Progress on electrifying the midland main line has been under scrutiny as it could significantly reduce railway operating costs and decrease carbon emissions.

Question

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?

Answer from 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.

Answered
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Q2 Catherine Atkinson Lab Derby North
Transport Climate
Context

Progress on electrifying the midland main line is being discussed as it could significantly reduce railway operating costs and decrease carbon emissions.

Question

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?

Answer from 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.

Answered
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Q3 Harriett Baldwin Con West Worcestershire
Transport
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.

Question

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?

Answer from 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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Meeting West Midlands Railway management to discuss specific steps for improving the Birmingham to Hereford line's performance

How: Put Passengers At The Heart Of It

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