Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the priority given by his Department to rail electrification has changed as a result of the Autumn 2021 Comprehensive Spending Review.

As set out in ‘Decarbonising Transport – A Better, Greener Britain’, we are committed to delivery of a net zero railway network by 2050. Electrification, hydrogen and battery trains will all play a part in achieving this commitment. We will continue to ensure that electrification schemes deliver value for money for taxpayers and that the industry is able to deliver a decarbonisation programme in a sustainable way.

We have delivered hundreds of miles of electrification since 2010 and we continue to expand the electrified rail network. For example, we recently confirmed £78m to electrify the route between Wigan North Western and Bolton. It will enable greener electric trains, with more seats to serve passengers across Greater Manchester. The scheme is on track and targeted for completion in 2024.

The Integrated Rail Plan announcement also confirmed that we will complete the electrification of the Midland Main Line from London to Nottingham, Derby and Sheffield, and deliver full electrification and upgrade of the Transpennine Main Line between Manchester, Leeds and York.