Midland Main Line: Electrification

Catherine Atkinson, the Labour MP for Derby North, asked the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Lilian Greenwood, about the progress made on the electrification of the Midland Main Line. Atkinson noted that the full electrification of the line would significantly reduce railway operating costs and cut 42,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. She asked the Minister to provide more good news on this important project. In response, Greenwood commended Atkinson's support for the scheme and confirmed that the electrification is progressing, with the new overhead line equipment from Kettering to Wigston, just south of Leicester, now installed and energized. She stated that this, along with enhancements to overhead line equipment south of Bedford, will enable new bi-mode trains to run electric from St Pancras to Wigston from 2025. Greenwood also informed the House that the extension of the electrification from Wigston to Nottingham, and to Sheffield via Derby, is in development and planned to be completed by the early 2030s, subject to business case approvals and affordability considerations. Dame Harriett Baldwin, the Conservative MP for West Worcestershire, then intervened, raising concerns about the deterioration in the performance of the West Midlands railway line from Birmingham to Hereford, which is not electrified. She asked the Minister to meet with the management of West Midlands Railway to address the issue and improve the service for her constituents. Greenwood acknowledged the concerns and stated that there have already been improvements in performance and a reduction in cancellations on the railway. She also mentioned that the Secretary of State is working to hold operators accountable and ensure that passengers receive a quality service from the railway.