Midland Main Line Electrification

Transport – in the House of Commons at on 21 November 2024.

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Photo of Neil O'Brien Neil O'Brien Shadow Minister (Education)

What recent estimate she has made of when electrification of the midland main line will be complete.

Photo of Lilian Greenwood Lilian Greenwood Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The electrification of the remainder of the route to Nottingham and Sheffield via Derby—the midland main line electrification programme—is in development, and currently it is planned to be completed by the early 2030s, subject to business case approvals and wider affordability considerations.

Photo of Neil O'Brien Neil O'Brien Shadow Minister (Education)

It is marvellous that we now have the electric lines energised up through Market Harborough to Wigston, and we are looking forward to our electric trains arriving next year. Even better, we have Spion Kop bridge staying open. Will the Rail Minister meet me to ensure that we avoid any risk that future electrification works lead to a further withdrawal of late and early services to Market Harborough? The last train back from London is already far too early, so we need to avoid the works having any further damaging impact.

Photo of Lilian Greenwood Lilian Greenwood Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

We are all concerned about the impact of works on services. I know that the Rail Minister is aware of that and would welcome the opportunity to visit, alongside Network Rail, to see the work being done to mitigate the impact on the hon. Gentleman’s constituents as that work continues.