Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the risk of (1) delay, and (2) cost increases, to the Transpennine Route upgrade as a result of changing ministerial priorities.

The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) is a major and complex rail project. Ministerial priorities outlined in the Integrated Rail Plan means TRU will now provide further benefits to rail users on the main corridor across the Pennines. Full electrification, digital signaling, reduction of journey times and better access at stations will lead to an improved experience for passengers and freight users. The department, working with stakeholders regularly assess any risks to schedule and increase in costs and will continue to do so throughout the development of the programme to ensure that public money is spent effectively.