Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what progress he has made in securing rolling-stock to serve cross-Pennine routes post-electrification; and whether he plans to use new rolling stock or a redeployment of current stock.

Following North West and North TransPennine electrification we expect bidders who are bidding for the TransPennine (TPE) franchise to propose high quality and high performing rolling stock suitable to serve the mix of passengers and journey types on TPE. Bidders will have the freedom to propose whether to use new rolling stock or redeploy current stock.