Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to section 3.1 of Great British Railways' document entitled Rolling Stock and Infrastructure Strategy, published in September 2026, what assessment she has made of the relative cost, on a whole life long-term basis, of (a) battery trains and (b) full electrification and conventional electric trains.

The Rolling Stock and Infrastructure Strategy does not prescribe a single preferred solution for all parts of the network. The relative whole-life costs and benefits of battery-electric trains, partial electrification and full electrification vary according to the characteristics and requirements of individual routes.

As set out in the Strategy, detailed route-by-route analysis will be undertaken to determine the optimum approach in each case. This will consider factors including passenger and freight demand, operational requirements, network connectivity, infrastructure constraints, affordability and value for money. Decisions on the appropriate level of electrification and the most suitable rolling stock technology will therefore be informed by the specific circumstances of each route rather than by a single national assessment.