Minister quizzed over lack of timetable for work to electrify Hull to Selby rail line

A HULL MP has demanded ministers make clear why the Government continues to stall over plans to electrify a crucial stretch of rail track.

Ministers have repeatedly backed the idea of electrifying the line between Selby and Hull but there is still no clear timescale for when the work will be done.

The delay continues despite the offer of almost £100 million from the private sector to help meet the cost.

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Speaking in the Commons, Hull North MP Diana Johnson asked Transport Minister Claire Perry to “explain why the privately financed £100 million Hull to Selby rail electrification scheme has been stuck in the Department for Transport for nearly two years, while her Department is announcing schemes such as the one involving £27 billion for Crossrail 2 between Hertfordshire and Surbiton?”

Ms Johnson added: “If she is really serious about the northern powerhouse, why can she not get a wriggle on and get this privately financed scheme to happen?”

But the minister dismissed her complaint and defended the Government’s record on rail investment.

Ms Perry said she shared the Hull North MP’s “enthusiasm for better rail journeys for her constituents, which is why the new franchise that we let last year will give her constituents brand new trains - bye-bye, Pacers - more services and more direct connections.

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“Hull is getting £1.4 million for its station in time for the city to take pride of place as the UK city of culture 2017. She should be pleased with that record.”

The Government’s plans for rail electrification came under close scrutiny last year after a number of projects, including an upgrade to the trans-Pennine route, were put on hold.

The projects were later restarted but over longer timescales as Network Rail admitted it was struggling to deliver them.