Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light of the Network Rail enhancement and electrification schemes that have now been paused for reconsideration, whether they plan to take steps to ensure that all other remaining projects set out for completion in Control Period 5 will proceed as scheduled; and if that is not possible, whether they plan to publish a revised and achievable programme of upgrades and enhancements as soon as possible.

As the Secretary of State for Transport said in his statement on 25 June, important aspects of Network Rail’s investment programme are costing more and taking longer.

The Transport Secretary has paused electrification work on Midland Main Line and preliminary electrification structure work on the North TransPennine Line east of Stalybridge. This will allow Network Rail to plan an integrated programme which delivers reduced journey times, improved performance and capacity, alongside electrification.

All other schemes will continue to be delivered while the new Chair reviews the programme delivery as a whole. He is due to report back to the Secretary of State in the autumn detailing his proposals for re-planning the rail enhancements portfolio.