Written Question·Department for Transport·UIN 66698
Midland Main Line: Electrification
Tabled: 10 July 2025
Answered: 18 July 2025
Question
James Naish
Labour — Rushcliffe
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the National Skills Academy for Rail’s finding that completing Midland Main Line electrification would create up to 4,300 jobs and more than 100 apprenticeships in the East Midlands.
Answer
Simon LightwoodI appreciate the investment opportunities that further electrification of the Midland Main Line could bring to the East Midlands but schemes that would have a more significant impact on economic growth have been prioritised as part of this Spending Review. There is still significant investment being made in rail. We also need a resilient and productive rail supply chain that invests in skills, technology, and innovation to reduce costs and increase competitiveness.