Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Transport Decarbonisation

Thursday 11 June 2026 · 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

  • Ministerial steps include accelerating electric vehicle roll-out, improving public transport, and supporting low-carbon fuels in aviation.
  • Government working to improve connection times and mitigate high electricity costs for shore power infrastructure.
  • Replacing diesel trains with electric trains on South Western Railway network expected to improve service efficiency.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Amanda Martin Lab Portsmouth North
Transport Climate
Context

The question arises from the need to address climate change and energy security by transitioning to cleaner transportation methods.

Question

What steps are being taken to help decarbonise the transport sector? The issue involves electrifying vehicles, overhauling public transport, supporting low carbon fuel uptake in aviation, and funding technology innovation for maritime.

Answer from Keir Mather

Decarbonising transport is vital. We are accelerating electric vehicle roll-out, improving public transport, supporting low-carbon fuels in aviation, and funding maritime technology through a multimillion-pound research programme.

Answered
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Q2 Amanda Martin Lab Portsmouth North
Transport Energy
Context

The high cost of electricity is threatening to make the investment in shore power infrastructure at Portsmouth International Port economically unviable, with grid transmission standing charges making shore power significantly more expensive than marine diesel.

Question

Portsmouth International Port has invested in shore power infrastructure. However, the high cost of electricity threatens this investment. What steps are being taken to ensure that shore power infrastructure is economically viable? The issue involves high electricity prices and connection times.

Answer from Keir Mather

High electricity prices impact shore power viability in the short term. The Government are working to improve connection times, engage with the sector, and mitigate high costs. UK SHORE investment includes onsite energy generation and battery storage to help reduce costs.

Answered
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Q3 Will Forster Lib Dem Woking
Transport Climate
Context

The transition to electric trains aims to decarbonise the railway network but concerns have been raised about potential service reductions for commuters in Woking.

Question

When diesel trains are replaced with electric trains to decarbonise the South Western Railway network, can it be assured that there will be no reduction in service for commuting constituents in Woking? The issue involves service improvements and efficiency gains from electric rolling stock.

Answer from Keir Mather

We believe that having electric rolling stock for train services can improve efficiency on the railway. We hope these improvements can be realised for Woking constituents.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not provide specific assurances against service reductions, focusing instead on potential efficiency gains from electric trains.

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